NRR Project: Bill Monroe and 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'

 

NRR Project: “Blue Moon of Kentucky”

Composed by Bill Monroe

Performed by Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys

Recorded 1947

2:06

First, read Richard D. Smith’s essay and Ricky Skaggs’ essayat the National Recording Registry. They are enthusiastic and comprehensive.

I can only approach this musical giant with awe. I mean, the guy invented bluegrass. Who else has birthed a genre?

Bill Monroe (1911-1996) got the mandolin because he was the youngest, and it was the least-valued instrument in the house. He quickly became a master of it, and began to create his own brand of music – based in old-time “hillbilly music” but fusing the best elements of blues and folk as well, melding into a new, soulful and expressive sound that proved incredibly popular.

By 1939, he was appearing on the Grand Ole Opry radio show regularly. He had a national platform for the performance of his unique craft. Bluegrass could be break-neck fast, or in this case heart-breakingly slow; it featured intertwining vocal harmonies, and bravura soloing. His enthusiastic, deeply felt intensity translated into the music and vitalized it, fascinating a generation on the radio. Soon aspiring groups in the same genre began to proliferate, creating bluegrass for further, ever-expanding mutations, fusing with jazz, avant-garde, and jam genres.

Monroe became a living legend. At least two dozen prominent bluegrass performers did time with Bill, in one way or another. His influence is still pervasive.

“Blue Moon of Kentucky” is charmingly simple, instantly memorable. In 3/4time it swings gently, meanwhile sending out a sad and forlorn “high lonesome” sound that is essential to the genre. It’s a lover’s lament, and states its case plainly. Love is gone, and the singer appeals to the heavens. The End. Its heartfelt sincerity sells it. This elemental song became a hit for Elvis Presley. Monroe re-recorded it afterwards in order to break into a similar 4/4 time passage a la Elvis. It remains his greatest achievement.

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: “Call It Stormy Monday.”