This song is only made better by the story behind it. Bill's uncle, Pendleton Vandiver, gave Bill a job and a place to live on his cattle farm after Bill's parents died, and he taught Bill how to play that mandolin and the songs that he knew from the string band days. If Bill Monroe is the father of bluegrass -- and he is -- then Uncle Pen surely is the grandfather of bluegrass.
What an awesome video -- gave me chills. Wonderful fiddling and the music was to die for. The photography did it justice. I was blown away by the intense expressions on everyone's faces -- even Big Mon. It was SERIOUS business. Everything was so precise. 1965 -- I was a biology student in college in the Midwest and would not have know bluegrass from rye. But I do now but gee I wish I had known then!!
That's me playing fiddle. I had been with Monroe about one month. I'd never sang as part of a band before. When I listen to this I'm amazed at the sound of the trio with Peter Rowan. The three of us around one mike with Bill singing tenor was a powerful experience. If anyone is interested, I have photos of Monroe which appeared in my book I HEAR A VOICE CALLING on my website.
@fiddlergene What a great experience that must have been! Makes me grin from ear to ear just hearing it. I'll be looking for your web site later tonight. Thanks for taking the time to share. :-D
The late Don Lineberger on banjo.
sandyrothman 1 month ago
Fuckin chills, sorry, fuckin chills!
terrybeaton 5 months ago
This song is only made better by the story behind it. Bill's uncle, Pendleton Vandiver, gave Bill a job and a place to live on his cattle farm after Bill's parents died, and he taught Bill how to play that mandolin and the songs that he knew from the string band days. If Bill Monroe is the father of bluegrass -- and he is -- then Uncle Pen surely is the grandfather of bluegrass.
jthomaston 8 months ago
@jthomaston great information. thank you
Gatorrock787 8 months ago
What an awesome video -- gave me chills. Wonderful fiddling and the music was to die for. The photography did it justice. I was blown away by the intense expressions on everyone's faces -- even Big Mon. It was SERIOUS business. Everything was so precise. 1965 -- I was a biology student in college in the Midwest and would not have know bluegrass from rye. But I do now but gee I wish I had known then!!
Mandolin1944 1 year ago
Who's picking the 5-string?
vcp430 1 year ago
Comment removed
84bravo 1 year ago
That's me playing fiddle. I had been with Monroe about one month. I'd never sang as part of a band before. When I listen to this I'm amazed at the sound of the trio with Peter Rowan. The three of us around one mike with Bill singing tenor was a powerful experience. If anyone is interested, I have photos of Monroe which appeared in my book I HEAR A VOICE CALLING on my website.
fiddlergene 1 year ago 9
@fiddlergene Thanks for the comment, sir. The harmony sounds great .... as does the fiddle playing.
Gatorrock787 1 year ago
@fiddlergene
Hey Gene,
I was thrilled to see you in this video! Loved your book, it was a great read.
Hope you're well, friend.
Larry
(the photog from philly)
84bravo 1 year ago
@fiddlergene By the way do you know Hubert Davis? he used to play banjo in the 50s i suppose?
67goon 1 year ago
@fiddlergene What a great experience that must have been! Makes me grin from ear to ear just hearing it. I'll be looking for your web site later tonight. Thanks for taking the time to share. :-D
chitchatt2006 1 year ago
A class act here. Does the fiddle sound a bit flat? Who cares this is the best.
Travis
tb40ford 1 year ago