Cord Byrd: “the music world lost one of its most devoted artists on Monday when the legendary Bill Monroe passed away at the age of…”

“the music world lost one of its most devoted artists on Monday when the legendary Bill Monroe passed away at the age of 84. The Bible says: The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Bill Monroe lived to be 84. His bluegrass music--the hybrid of folk, country, blues, and gospel styles--originated in the United States more than 60 years ago and continues to be popular across the country. Nowhere is this more true than in the Appalachian States, where it embraces the spirit of that region. Bluegrass is brought to life by combining high tenor vocals with instruments like the mandolin, fiddle--or violin--guitar, banjo, and bass, and is most often associated with Monroe, the creator and master of the style. I was fortunate to have been able to play my fiddle with Bill Monroe in Boone County, West Virginia, when he appeared there years ago. I remember how enlivening it was to make music with such a first-rate musician. Monroe's stage performance exuded the passion and dedication he had for music. He told me how he believed in a, ``good, clean show.'' Bill Monroe was a true gentleman. He never drank, smoked, or used offensive language.”