Can't You Hear Me Callin' The Life of Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass

By the time of his death in 1996, Bill Monroe was acknowledged as a major figure in American music. Drawing on the traditional music of his Kentucky childhood, Monroe single-handedly created the high lonesome sound of bluegrass. His music has established itself as a distinctive genre with wide appeal among country, rock, & folk fans. From shy mandolin player to womanizing Opry star to elder statesman of popular music, Monroe's life story is a fascinating read. . Crossover appeal: Everyone from Elvis Presle?? (whose first single was a Bill Monroe song) to Johnny Cash to Jerry Garcia to Emmylou Harris has claimed Monroe as an influence. . Major ??ans: A recent NEA survey indicated that 54 million Americans are bluegrass fans. There are annual festivals around the country & 900 radio stations that carry bluegrass programming. . Richard D. Smith has written for The New York Times, Bloomberg Magazine, & the Journal of Country Mustc. Now he writes for Bluegrass Unlimited magazine.

Richard Smith is the author of Bluegrass: An Informal Guide and Images of America: Princeton and has written for the New York Times, Bluegrass Unlimited, and the Journal of Country Music, among others. A musician who plays the mandolin and guitar, he lives in Rocky Hill, New Jersey.