Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs --The Classic Music Video

[CNS2]

Man to see Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs playin together is awesome, I'd love to see & hear the full session...

[md65000]

Watching Bill and Earl pick together again is almost like watching the Beatles reunion that we never got to see.

[trinitychurch]

My lord was that man good....

[ghostriderjoemomma]

bill monroe and earl scuggs doing a ralph stanley song? sheer greatness!!!!

[gomez8733]

Son, James Monroe on guitar. Absolutely wonderful session. Hall of Fame stuff.

[amyleighbanjo]

That is my grandfather, Rual Yarbrough, on banjo, too! He just passed on September 21 and we all miss him dearly. He was a beautiful person.

[allinaday]

@amyleighbanjo Thank you for your comment.  I remember Rual as a very kind person who helped us make this scene happened. Bill Monroe was uncertain as to whether he wanted to appear with Earl Scruggs in the documentary. Rual was our production head in a way. I'm glad that he lived so long and hope that he lived well all the way along.

David Hoffman – filmmaker

[amyleighbanjo]

@allinaday Thank you so much for your comment about my grandfather. I know this video was posted some time ago but we only discovered it a day or two after he passed. None of the family had ever seen it, or knew it existed, so we were surprised and touched to see it. How can we all get a copy? Thank you again!

[FalconSupreme]

Now that was one minute of sheer joy !

[zrwiller]

This is classic! This is classic! This is classic! This is Classic! This is Classic classic classic This this this this this is is is is is classic classic classic classic !!!!!!!!@ this is classic classic class act class action suit class c felony class clown clown town brown town poop hole

[zrwiller]

This is classic!

[buchananstreet]

GOLD STAR!

[dwarf2]

Earl scruggs "the sound of bluegrass"

[buffloader]

People have often ask me why I love Bluegrass music and I have since I was very young but I have three men in my life who influenced me to like this kind of music first of all my Daddy ,Bill Lantz and Marion Rutter. These men know or knew that this was the music that was the heart and soul of the mountain and this was part of our great American heritage.

[uhprah]

I was honored to meet and sit with Bill Monroe in the 80s when he played a small club on Lorain Avenue (CLEVE). This icon sat on a three legged stool and talked with us morons for hours after the show. Not many like him, ever. Peace.

[impala327]

Damb. That voice.

[bc78260]

Now this is what I like about you tube. being able to listen and see artists from a bygone era. Man it looks like they are having fun. And look at all those pickers.

[182cjr]

Bill Monroe! where it all started!!!!! [=

[ecman1986]

Too bad that Earl's boy was thrashing on the guitar.

[tomf429]

Bill Monroe tuned it high and played in D tuning because of that high voice. It OK for Little Maggie - but I get tired of that key real fast. I can listen to Flatt and Scruggs forever - that deep voice complemented Earl's banjo magic.

[janken919]

What song is this? great tune.

[CntryInVa]

What a wonderful video..and so rare.

Bill and Earl made sure when asked "how long they played together"---that their answers were vague ..One year (and not even then)-and they both managed!

[TruegrassBoy]

Sorry, that was TRain 45 and Little Maggie

[TruegrassBoy]

The first is "Close By" and the second is "Little Maggie".

[2392550]

does any one know the name of the song bill is singing

[orthodoxstephen]

Can never quite get used to seeing Bill without his hat - a daft thing i know, but is so strongly linked in my mind with him and his mandolin. Only saw him in person once and I will never forget it.

[BanjoBoyMatteo]

I've owned this DVD for years now...one great documentary! Is there any way of knowing the exact year this jam was taped?

[allinaday]

1972 if my memory serves me right.

David Hoffman - Filmmaker

[BanjoBoyMatteo]

The first onstage reunion of the two happened at Bean Blossom in 1979...this predates it by at least 7 years!! How great is that!!!

As I already stated, yours is a great documentary, even though it's a shame this jam session was cut and edited in several places...I know I'd pay the price of the DVD just to see the full thing!!

[jaker2880]

heeealll yallll heeeeeee haaauuul oh yaAAAAA good stuff

[46r11]

Could someone please comment on the Earl Scruggs - Don Reno - five string banjo playing that I've heard discussed. Who actually played this style first? I love to listen to them both - Wayne in Canada

[fluffaduck]

I believe Snuffy Jenkins played in this style before either, Earl however brought us most of the vocab and standard licks. Renos awesome too dont know much about him except his single string stuff.

[TruegrassBoy]

Snuffy Jenkins may have been one of the 1st to use picks on the banjo but had a peculiar style and often played with only 2 fingers. Earl blew it wide open with super speed and a much more sophisticated and smooth sound. He also followed melodies closely and came up with a ton of hot licks which everyone copied. Reno was right there with Earl as far as skill in 3 finger style but was drafted and sent overseas. So Earl was heard all over playing with Monroe and got the fame and the credit.

[OneFifthNative]

I don't mean to be a smart ass but Earl himself said that there was a fellow named Smith Hammett who lived down near shelby, Flint, that he heard playing three finger roll on the banjo when he was real young and that it made a big impression. Then he said that later on he heard Snuffy. Got the roll going himself one day after a fight with his brother and so he kept playing the same roll over and over again for, like, half an hour just in case it went back in on him. lol

[bobshu7]

Gob Bless Ole Earl. He just lives over the hill in Shelby NC and I think the world of his music and his accomplishments.He has made us all proud around here and we surely Love Him and His Family.Thank God the Apples didn't fall far from the Tree.

[allinaday]

Thank you for your very nice comment. I remember Shelby North Carolina very well from the various films I've made there. Fabulous people. And I agree. God bless Ole Earl.

[RandyHaddock]

It's like they're not even putting any effort into it and it's still a jaw-dropping performance. As natural as can be. Amazing.

[allinaday]

Boy do I agree with this comment, Randy. I was a banjo picker myself as a young filmmaker until I was around those guys and then I decided to stick to documentary filmmaking and give up on the banjo. They all learned it so he owned and played together with their families as children. Geniuses really.- thank you.

David Hoffman -- filmmaker

[Marks104]

i also thought del was there too

[PleasantValleyMusic]

I swear I'm not trying to be a know-it-all or smart alec. But Del was with Bill in the early 60's, and this video is in the early 70's. It's James.

[osbournelover01]

brelfan you are a pussy stfu dont ever talk shit here

[brelfan]

Can't beat this guys for musicianship and musical integrity. But they all look like they went to a Republican convention.

[FlyingTiger64]

What, would you prefer that they were wearing flip-flops and tye-dyed shirts and covered in piercings and tattoos like all of the current pop music morons? These men were just plain country folk, but they had (and still have) class and respect for themselves and the people they entertain. Oh, and they also had some real musical talent instead of just being a hollywood pop culture creation.

[banjoplayer17]

Let's see Bill-check, Earl- check, Earl's boys- check, Del Mccoury on guitar- check, Rual Yarbrough- check on banjo, Ken Baker on fiddle-check. But who is on bass? its either Bill Yeats or Skip Payne.

[Mar10Guitar]

Did anyone notice Del McCoury on the guitar? Del is the man

[PleasantValleyMusic]

Yeah looks like Del, but it's actually Bill's son James with that pompador.

[Mar10Guitar]

no that's Del.

[Mar10Guitar]

hell it looks like it to me, and this video was recorded at the same time he was playing with Bill. hahaha idk

[kev1865]

@Mar10Guitar - Hey...that does look like him ( 00:20-00:24).... is it really him ?

[allinaday]

I'm sure that JTBlackhawk is correct but I never understood the competition between Bill Monroe and his band and Earl Scruggs. I never felt that Earl took credit for anything he didn't do and he certainly was not the lead in Bill's band. Bill Monroe was a spectacular musician who profoundly affected when I first heard his music. Earl Scruggs was not only a great banjo picker but a wonderful human being. Generous and kind. That is how I remember them both.

David Hoffman

filmmaker

[JDBlackhawk]

In the 1940s, Bill Monroe barnstormed his way through the US to bring Bluegrass to as many people as he could. Almost all Bluegrass festivals take place where he created the first barndance tour in that tradition and singlehandedly with almost no support. Mr. Scruggs performed some of Mr. Monroe's repertoire from their early days when he started out alone but as a complement to Mr. Monroe. Once understood, they resumed friendship and toured together again. Great American musicians, God bless.

[therealmuffin]

I need more of that

[allinaday]

Dear Jpicker23:

I think your comments are correct. It was bound to happen. And great music resulted. But as I remember it, Earl always honored Monroe and Monroe, at least in my movie, introduces Earl saying "he was the second banjo player in my band."

Filmmaker David Hoffman

[JPicker23]

Look, two legends in one band. Earl leaving was bound to happen. Monroe was self centered and arrogant? Sounds like a rock star to me. The guy is the father of bluegrass, that's carte blanche in my book. Was it not Mr. Monroe who said you should play your own style of bluegrass? Flatt and Scruggs took Monroe's concept and ran with it. Credit Louise Certain Scruggs also, for jumping on the folk revival scene and getting them booked in colleges.

[HoustonPublisher]

There's always 2 names that come into my mind anytime someone says mentions blue grass music. And those 2 names are Flatt and Scruggs.

[mandomoishe]

hey mr. D Hoffman, where can i get the full version of this film? and what type of footage is included in it?

[allinaday]

thank you for asking. try my website to get full show at thehoffmancollection.

david hoffman

[2ndfret]

I think Earl would certainly have made it without Bill. The Flatt and Scruggs of 1948 to 1955 was far superior to any group Bill ever had.

[donovanwiseman]

But how would Flatt and Scruggs have met each other, if not for Bill! Bill was the man and he pioneered the music i love, and for that, I am forever greatful

[elkriverharmonicas]

Yes and don't forget that Lester Flatt threw a hissy fit about Bill hiring Earl and tried to stop Bill from doing it. Bill hired him anyway.

[qpwillie]

Dave, I just wanted to say thanks so much for helping to preserve this wonderful and extremely important part of our heritage.

[pegcage]

There's two things I am greatly entertained by: watching the Manning brothers play football (Super Bowl MVPs!!!) and listening to good bluegrass music. Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs together again! Thanks for this clip.

[cnedwick]

thanks for posting this. classic, classic, classic stuff.

[tactteam00]

i saw terrible comments about this mans dvd on amazon. sorry "allinaday", but its true. and i doubt that you even filmed any of this. i checked out your website and it is sketchy as f***. and the fact that you are posting only 1 minute clips of these great songs being performed by revolutionary musicians is disrespecting them and everyone else who wants to see the ENTIRE song.

[allinaday]

I don't know who you are what you are talking about. I am David Hoffman. I filmed it and in fact and am in the film in one scene as is my daughter. My website is not at all sketchy and states a small portion of the films I have made.

thehoffmancollection

[hollies65]

Say what you want...this clip is awe inspiring.

[tactteam00]

you are right

[allinaday]

Dear Tactteamoo:

Whoever you are, you are saying lies. Of course I made the film. As I said in my previous post, I am visually in it in the background as the cameraman. The reason I don't show the entire clips is because I make a living from my documentaries. You don't pay for them. I do. And this film was invested in by me and several other filmmakers who spent our life savings to make it. Should we not be paid for it? You are damaging and should stop it.

David Hoffman

filmmaker

[tactteam00]

it is called little maggie. it is a ralph stanley song. it is not just a simple medley this idiot doesnt know what hes talking about.

[carteru93]

The first tune before Little Maggie, is called Reuben, making  this a medley of Reuben and Little Maggie. He knows exactly what he's talking about as do I.

[Rcksaltnnails]

Nope, not a Ralph Stanley song. It was originally recorded by Grayson and Whittier right about the timethat a young Ralph was learning to walk.

[snatchpussylesbo]

anyone know what song they're playing here?

[allinaday]

This is a medley that they use to perform together. When I got them to do this, they said that they would remember the medley -- and they did.

David Hoffman

[MistyMountaineers]

Is that James Monroe in the Bluegrass boy suit on guitar ?

[allinaday]

I believe that it is. and thank you for watching it,

david hoffman

filmmaker

[flatpikinguitar]

what happened to the rest of the video

[allinaday]

still offered via my website. thehoffmancollection. you can see the whole thing on the dvd I made from the film I made 38 years ago.

thank you

david hoffman

filmmaker

[kevinleverne]

I'm glad lester and earl split from monroe's band. The music the foggy mountain boys created is a thousand times better than anything bill monroe did. Being a banjo player of course I was attracted by earls blistering breaks, but I've come to realize that lester was probably the smoothest and greatest bluegrass voice ever. Together,they were dynamite. When lester and earl split it was unfortunate because earl got too progressive and played songs that didn't match his banjo sound and style.

[1960gibsonsj]

That's a matter of opinion. Both bands were excellent with Monroe having a higher pitched, smooth racy sound especially during the years Baker played the fiddle.

The Flatt and Scruggs band had a more mellow sound. It of course may appeal more to a banjo player which I have been since 1974, as it featured the banjo while Monroe's music featured the fiddle and his incomparable high tenor voice.

Neither is better than the other. They were both at the top of the field!

[kevinleverne]

Well said. No disrespect to Monroe. I just feel lester and earl wouldn't have reached their potential by staying in monroes band. Its monroes voice that turned me off,you could almost tell how he was gonna sing it before you heard him. No disrespect to the man. Just my opinion.

[justinruns]

Well of course they wouldn't have reached their potential, but isn't that true for everybody? Remember, had it not been for Bill Monroe there would have been no Flatt and Scruggs.

I really like what Steve Earle said about Bill Monroe in the liner notes for his 1999 album The Mountain.  Needless to say, Bill, Lester, and Earl were/are incredible talents.

[kevinleverne]

ok. What i'm saying is alot of people seem too think whe the three of them are together that it was the greatest band ever, but I feel they were alot better without monroe in their band. Yes I know that monroes music influenced theirs and many others but in my opinion they took what monroe started and made it sound much better. Perhaps earl reached his full potential after he split with lester, but together they had the largest following...without monroe.

[cwknig2]

Earl Scruggs banjo playing elevated the popularity of Bill Monroe tremendously. Bill wrote great songs, but the addition of Earl's five strings licks really shot Bill Monroe's prestige up. I think Earl and Lester leaving the Bluegrass Boys was a great decision. Lester and Earl went on to gain more popularity than Bill Monroe. Not taking anything away from Mr. Monroe, but let's not deny Flatt and Scruggs. There are an awful lot of musicians that learned about BG from the music of Flatt and Scrugg

[allinaday]

As the filmmaker, I love to comment to others who enjoy the film and these wonderful musicians. Monroe is one of my favorites but he was a self-centered and difficult man to deal with, and my colleagues and I spent forever getting him to say yes to this scene which was shot in a grand ole Opry dressing room. Scruggs was a gentleman in every sense of the word and always went out of his way to help people and help us to make this movie possible.

David Hoffman

filmmaker

thehoffmancollection

[cwknig2]

I am glad you said that. Bill Monroe was a great musician, and made a great contribution to American music. He was also pretty arrogant and hard to work with. Just think of all the great musicians in who wouldn't talk to him after they left their band(i.e. Flatt and Scruggs, Osborne Borther). I have heard the same thing about Ricky Skaggs and Sonny Osborne.

[dallassvolk]

Where can I see the rest of this performance? Is there anything else?

[fiddlenut24]

you're right, after they left bill, he kinda droped out of sight for awhile, he still played the opry and stuff, but the folk revival in the 60's was he really popular again

[BanjoBoyMatteo]

The masters together again! This must have been after Lester's passing, probably early 1980s. Mr Hoffman, could you provide an exact date?

[allinaday]

not sure of the exact date but it was in 1971 or 1972 back stage and the old gran ole opry. my producer colleague and I FORCED these two together-- Bill didnt want to do it.

David Hoffman

thehoffmancollection

[BanjoBoyMatteo]

I can see that. Bill and Lester rejoined onstage for the first time in 1971 (was it Bean Blossom?), and the "peace" with Earl came years later... there probably was still some anger in Bill.

[blugrasscountry6]

we need more videos from them together

[redfolk]

MIGHTY FINE!