Bill Monroe

Born

September 13, 1911

Died

September 9, 1996 (84 years old)

Known For

Acting

Place of Birth

Rosine, Kentucky, USA

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.