William Smith Monroe, (September 13, 1911 to September 9, 1996)(born, Rosine Kentucky) developed the style of music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the “Blue Grass Boys,” named for Monroe’s home state of Kentucky. Monroe’s performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as “the father of bluegrass.”
Bill Monroe credits two Kentucky musicians with giving him the elements of bluegrass. His Uncle “Pen” Vandiver, and black bluesman, Arnold Schulz.