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James Monroe
Biography James
Monroe comes by his passion for bluegrass music quite naturally. He was
born into the "Royal Family" of bluegrass as the only son of the
"Father of Bluegrass," Bill Monroe.
James grew up both in the glare of the spotlight, and the shadow of a larger than life legend whose music set his son's life on course to pursue his own signature dream of making music. Cutting
his teeth onstage with his dad as part of Bill's legendary "Bluegrass
Boys," James' unique style and soundings on guitar, as well as his pure
bluegrass vocals, made him a stand-out in the band during his tenure
with them from 1964 to 1971. It was a unique "school" for the musical
gifted students of bluegrass who got to pick with the master himself
onstage. Standing beside his father, James played every major bluegrass
festival of note, guested regularly on the hallowed stage of the old
Ryman for the "Grand Ole Opry," as well as performing "once in a
lifetime" career highlights such as Carnegie Hall in New York, and the
Royal Albert Hall in London. Former "Bluegrass Boys" who shared the
opportunity with James included a virtual "who's who" of legendary
musicians in their own right - including Vassar Clements, Sonny
Osborne, Mac Wiseman, Jimmy Martin, Red Smiley, and Carter Stanley. He
recorded close to one hundred sides with his father, most of them,
with Bill's passing, now termed archival treasures in the country and
bluegrass genres.
In 1971 James left the
"Bluegrass Boys" to form his own group and make his own distinctive
mark in the music world. He formed the "Midnight Ramblers," a group
that soon became one of the most popular and busiest bluegrass bands on
the road. Driven by the unique vocals and innovative guitar style James
has perfected with his father's group, the signature sound of the
"Midnight Ramblers" was pure Monroe in nature but totally James in
spirit.
A gifted songwriter,
he has self
written many of his own classics, including "Girl of My Dreams,"
"Midnight Blues," "Sweet Lucy," "Tennessee Sunday" and "Snowing in
Dixie." He has recorded both bluegrass and gospel projects.
In
tribute to his father and his own lifelong love affair with bluegrass,
James, several times a year puts down his guitar momentarily to assume
yet another role. A gifted businessman, he is today founder and
promoter of America's bluegrass event -- "The Bill Monroe Memorial Day
Weekend Bluegrass Festival," held each year in Bill's birthplace,
Rosine, Kentucky. This festival will be the premiere bluegrass event. A
destination of choice for lovers of the music born in the hills of
Kentuckly.
It's
a fitting tribute to Bill that the event is held at the place of both
his birth and final resting, and that his son James and his band are
highlights of each event, forging family ties with fans of Monroe music
-- both new and old.
If
Bill's watching, from the wings, he's indeed a proud father.
Induction into the North American Country Music Hall Of Fame
On March 15, 2008, James Monroe was inducted into the North American Country Music Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN.  Albums SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING DIFFERENT, SOMETHING GOOD James Monroe MIDNIGHT BLUES James Monroe SATISFIED MIND James Monroe MY FATHER (In memory of Bill Monroe) James Monroe BLUEGRASS SPECIAL MEMORIES James Monroe, Bill Monroe I CAN LIVE FOREVER (All Gospel) James Monroe JAMES MONROE 30 YEARS OF RECORDING Vol. 1 THE WAY I AM TV
Appearances
NASHVILLE NOW RALPH EMERY SHOW CUMBERLAND KENTUCKY TV NETWORK Career Highlights BEING A BLUEGRASS BOY WITH BILL MONROE PLAYED THE FIRST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL STARTED HIS OWN FESTIVALS PERFORMED AT CARNEGIE HALL NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK PERFORMED AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL LONDON, ENGLAND PERFORMED AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE FOUNDER OF JAMES MONROE BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL FRANKLIN, KENTUCKY |
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Ace Productions
PO Box 428 Portland, TN 37148-0428 Phone: (615) 325-3340 |
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| AARON MUSIC SHOP | BLUEGRASS CHAMPS | JIMMY CASE |
copyright 2008
Unauthorized duplication is strictly forbidden.