Bluegrass music is often considered "hillbilly music." However, it is a music close to my heart. I consider it a part of my roots. After all, I‘m a coal miner's daughter who was delivered at home by the company doctor at Dehue, West Virginia. Although, I have lived in northeast Ohio for thirty-five years, I still have a southern twang. It amazes me when people still ask me "Where are you from?" I proudly say Logan County, West Virginia.

Bluegrass has its influence from mountain music, chain-gang chants, blues, Black slaves working the fields, Scottish and Irish tunes, and gospel music. Bill Monroe, a descendant of President James Monroe, the "father of bluegrass music" He has been placed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Song Writers Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. Even Elvis Presley recorded one of his songs, Blue Moon of Kentucky.

Bluegrass was honored by the Coen Brothers with the recent movie O' Brother, Where Art Thou? It is a must see movie for bluegrass fans. The movie covered all the bases with its soundtrack.

One heart-stopper song from the movie is I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow lip-synced by the Soggy Mountain Boys who were actors, George Clooney, John Turturreo, and Tim Blake Nelson. However, the haunting voice was really Dan Tyminski, harmony singer/guitarist for Alison Krauss and the Union Station Band.

Now that song speaks to me. Bluegrass songs tell of death, hard times, love for mother, pain, and lost love. A death song that touches me was written by Ralph Stanley.

Morbid huh? But we all have to leave this earth one day. I like walking through old cemeteries to read the headstones. I'm sure some would think that weird. My husband's dad ask Donald to tape some bluegrass songs for him, so he taped six. After listening to them his dad gave them back. He said, "Son, I don't want these tapes. They're all about death."

Then there are the heartbreak songs like When It Is All Said And Done written by Larry Cordle and Melba Mongomery.

One of my favorite barroom songs is Jesus And The Bartender written by Larry Cordle and Leslie Winn Satcher.

A chilling coal mining recitation is performed by *Bert Colwell. Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time provides the background music with a fiddle and duel banjos playing Amazing Grace.

The gospel song, I Am A Pilgrim rewritten and rearranged by Merle Travis is a favorite of mine.

Maybe my story will never convince you that bluegrass rules. However, if you are curious go to an outdoor bluegrass festival. The singers and pickers in the bands are as approachable as your next door neighbor. You don't have to stand backstage hoping to get an autograph from them. They will shake your hand, chat with you, and jam with you in between shows. So, grab a lawn chair, and check out one of the festivals. A good source of information where the festivals are held is the magazine Bluegrass Unlimited.

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*Bert Colwell who wrote the song Old Kentucky Miner grew up in Hazard, Ky. He is a musician, song writer, and according to Steve Myers, Bert is the best guitar picker he has ever known. Bert lives in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. His recitation touched my heart, so I am including the rest of the words. Donald and I moved to Ohio from West Virginia in 1966, and we go back (home) for funerals and reunions. It is sad but true.

Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass died four days before his 85th birthday on September 9, 1996. The The Bluegrass Unlimited magazine June issue announced that Monroe's mandolin was sold by his son, James Monroe, to the Bill Monroe Foundation for $1,125,000.00.

Get well wishes to Terry Eldredge who is part of the Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time Band. Terry was seriously injured in a car wreck in April, and underwent surgery at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. He is still recuperating, and a Trust Fund has been set up for his benefit. Contributions can be made to Terry Eldredge Benefit Trust Fund, Sun Trust Bank, 1026 17th Avenue, South, Nashville, TN.

BILL MONROE'S BIOGRAPHY

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