Remembering the Father of Bluegrass – Bill Monroe September 9, 1996 We remember the passing of Bill Monroe at age 84 in Springfield, Tennessee. Known as the Father of Bluegrass, Monroe forever changed American music with his mandolin, voice, and vision. His band, the Blue Grass Boys, became the launching pad for countless musicians, and his “high lonesome sound” continues to inspire generations. Honors and Memberships: • Country Music Hall of Fame (1970) • Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (197