Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Born
September 13, 1911
Died
September 9, 1996 (age 84)
Place of Birth
Rosine, Kentucky, USA
Also Known As
William Smith Monroe
Bill Monroe
Biography
William Smith Monroe was an American mandolinist, singer, and songwriter, who created the bluegrass music genre. Because of this, he is often called the "Father of Bluegrass". The genre takes its name from his band, the Blue Grass Boys, who named their group for the bluegrass of Monroe's home state of Kentucky.
Known For
TV
The Johnny Cash Show
Self
1969
TV
Yesteryear in Nashville
Self
1982
Film
High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music
Self
1991
Film
Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music
Self (archive footage)
2019
Film
Newport and the Great Folk Dream
Self (archive footage)
2025
Film
Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music
Self
1993
Film
Scruggs: A Festival of Music
Self
1972
Film
The Porchlight Sessions
Self
2017
Film
Opry Video Classics: Pioneers
Self (archive footage)
2007
Filmography
2025FilmNewport and the Great Folk Dreamas Self (archive footage)2019FilmBig Family: The Story of Bluegrass Musicas Self (archive footage)2017FilmThe Porchlight Sessionsas Self2007FilmOpry Video Classics: Pioneersas Self (archive footage)1993FilmBill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Musicas Self1991FilmHigh Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Musicas Self1982TVYesteryear in Nashvilleas Self1972FilmScruggs: A Festival of Musicas Self1969TVThe Johnny Cash Showas Self