Bill Monroe

William Smith Monroe, better known as Bill, perhaps best known as "The Father of Bluegrass Music", was born on this date in 1911.
Bill Monroe, is one of the only people to have bestowed upon America an entire musical genre.
Monroe began his professional career in music in the early 1930s, and as a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than half a century he has nurtured the music that took its name from that of his band.
Bill passed away after suffering a stroke in 1996.