Called the “Father of Bluegrass Music,” mandolinist and bandleader William Smith Monroe (1911–1996) was born on this day on a 650-acre farm in Rosine, Kentucky.

“Bluegrass, there ain't no prettier word,” he once said of his music that fused hillbilly roots with rhythm and blues. “The people that play this kind of music know about the ancient tones.”

Monroe and his group, the Blue Grass Boys, made their Grand Ole Opry debut in 1939. Inspired by the beauty of the southern Appalachian mountains, their music preserved regional heritage and offered down-home entertainment.

Known for passionate mandolin solos and high-tenor vocals, Monroe elevated rural music to a refined celebration of tempo and emotion. “Bluegrass tells the truth,” he said. “It gives me a good feeling to hear good bluegrass.”

His songs of truth included classics like Blue Moon Of Kentucky (recorded by Elvis Presley), Mule Skinner Blues, True Life Blues, and Uncle Pen, a tribute to his mentor and uncle.

With a strong high tenor, Monroe described his style as “blues and jazz, with a high lonesome sound. It's played from my heart to your heart, and it will touch you.”

Biographer Richard D. Smith wrote, “No single artist has had as broad an impact on American music.”

Emmylou Harris agreed: “No one can question that Bill Monroe changed music forever with his genius. He inspired our lives with relentless dedication and integrity, always following his true voice.”