View Full Version : Monroe's lost children
futrconslr
Oct-05-2005, 4:50pm
Some guy on comando just posted a post discussing some lost kids of Monroe.
Apparently they showed up at a BG festival this past weekend?
travers chandler
Oct-05-2005, 5:24pm
My buddy Al Jones insists he is Bill's son.....Maybe he was there..
Coy Wylie
Oct-05-2005, 5:26pm
Snipped from CoMando ***The revelation of the weekend was the announcement from on stage that that Al Jones and sister Gloria Jean have discovered and verified that they are the long lost and forgotten son and daughter of the late, great Bill Monroe.***
I recently reread Smith's "Can't You Hear Me Calling." I recall that in at least one version of WSM's will any children who claimed to be his were entitled to exactly $1 from his estate.
swampstomper
Oct-05-2005, 5:53pm
Does that include Ricky? "Son of Hobart" -- hah!
kudzugypsy
Oct-06-2005, 7:27am
how about the lost children of Bill Herald!!! "the kentucky mule" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
flatthead
Oct-06-2005, 8:07am
Does that include Ricky? "Son of Hobart" -- hah!
Umm...That would be a "no", Regis......
evanreilly
Oct-06-2005, 9:27am
The first time I saw Al Jones, i said 'Monroe'!
He looks like WSM.
AS far as his sister, who knows.
futrconslr
Oct-06-2005, 2:13pm
I used to know a person that worked for the attorney for Elvis Presley Enterprises. They had someone come in at least once a month claiming to be the son or daughter of the king. Personally, I think Darryl Wolfe kinda looks like Elvis. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Thank you Thank you very much.
kudzugypsy
Oct-06-2005, 3:07pm
judge fer yaself....
jim simpson
Oct-06-2005, 3:12pm
"My buddy Al Jones insists he is Bill's son.....Maybe he was there.." ; Travers.
Travers,
Your buddy Al is quite a character and full of ornery energy. I had to pleasure to witness him recently at a festival. Now if he could get some inheritance to take care of that missing tooth(s?)!
He sure looks like him in the previous post.
Jim
futrconslr
Oct-06-2005, 3:31pm
There is a resemblance for sure.
Pair say they are Monroe's children
Monroe's son says he's unaware of any living siblings
10/01/05
By Adrienne Steinfeldt
Messenger-Inquirer
ROSINE -- There was a high lonesome sound coming from the stage behind Bill Monroe's home place Friday afternoon.
And a spitting image of Bill Monroe was making it.
Al Jones made public what people close to him say they've known for years: He's sure he's Bill Monroe's son; his mother, Lura "Lou" Jones, told him when he was about 10 years old.
The decision to go public now doesn't mean the tall, white-haired bluegrass guitar player and singer will start using the Monroe name, he said.
"I've made it this many years on my mother's name, and I still can," he said. "I'm not going to change it."
Jones, who says he's "about 70" is gregarious, onstage and off, joking with the audience and flirting with fans. He lives in Maryland, was born in Virginia and has been playing bluegrass music with Frank Necessary and their band, the Spruce Mountain Boys, for nearly 40 years.
Over the years, Jones and Necessary have mentioned Bill Monroe, calling Jones his "descendant," Necessary said.
But Friday, they went further.
"I'm playing in the homeplace of my pappy, believe it or not," Jones told the crowd Friday.
Performing old Bill Monroe tunes and her own originals with Jones on Friday was Carolina Rose, also known as Gloria Jean Polk.
Polk's mother wouldn't tell her who her father was, but she's become convinced that it was Monroe after years of hearing it from those who knew Monroe and her mother.
Polk's mother's name was Ruby Elma Polk.
She has been playing bluegrass music for several years and sang country and western music before that.
"I've been singing since I was 6," Polk said.
Both Jones and Polk say they're not looking for any gains by claiming their parentage.
"I don't want to start no trouble," Jones said. "I want nothing."
"My sentiments are the same," Polk said. "We're very happy being who we are, playing the music Dad wrote."
Contacted by phone in Nashville on Friday, Monroe's son, James Monroe, said his only sibling was Melissa Monroe, who has passed away.
"I don't have no brothers," Monroe said. "I don't know anything about that, other than the fact that I only had one sister."
James Monroe said that he doesn't specifically remember meeting Jones, who says that he has talked to James Monroe about his parentage and has a picture of the two together.
"I might have met him, but I've met so many people in my life traveling around the country," James Monroe said. "If he came up and said he was my brother, we'd have something to talk about, but that never happened."
Polk said that the two have only good feelings toward James Monroe.
"We do not want anything from James," Polk said. "We just want James to be happy and healthy and well. We wish him the best."
Beyond the afternoon's announcement, the story of the day on Jerusalem Ridge was in the numbers.
The hillside was covered, thick with people enjoying the sounds of bluegrass.
"That's the way I like that hill to look," said Joe Carpenter, Hartford city councilman. "This is wonderful. It's just getting bigger and bigger"
Organizers estimated Friday's attendance at 2,500.
Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys took the stage at 8 p.m.
Signing autographs before his set, Stanley said that he was glad to be on Jerusalem Ridge.
"I played every festival Bill did, and he played every festival I had," Stanley said. "I thought Bill was a fine man. It's good to be here."
The festival continues through Sunday and is at Jerusalem Ridge off of Kentucky 62 in Ohio County.
kudzugypsy
Oct-06-2005, 8:46pm
was this the same festival that wasnt allowed to use bill monroes name?
Brian Aldridge
Oct-06-2005, 9:44pm
that would be something... a festival that wasn't allowd to use Monroe's name and two offspring that wasn't either.
Scotti Adams
Oct-07-2005, 6:12am
judge fer yaself....
..man..thats almost eerie.....looks like a spittin' image of Bill.
Garrett
Oct-07-2005, 7:32am
I don't think a paternity test is really necessary!
bsimmers
Oct-07-2005, 7:56am
Elvis, Howard Hughes, now Bill Monroe http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif I guess if you're not sure who your father is, one of these guys might be dear ol' dad http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
the pic form the messinger-inquirer looks less like Bill Monroe. But wow he does look like BM above. I'm just supprised how old he is. If he's 70 that would put his birthday about 1935. Does this coincide with any of the book "can't you hear me callin" claims? I wouldn't be supprised to see a whole bunch of children show up like this. I always wondered why no one made any claims to be his child. Proves you better be careful. You may leave more legacy than you want.
mandopete
Oct-07-2005, 8:47am
Man this is just like a soap opera. #It's been a little boring around here lately so it's nice to have some controversy to keep things interesting.
My question would be why now? #If he doesn't want anything from the Monroe estate or to use the Monroe surname, why the hoopla now?
Maybe we should try to hook him up with Ricky Skaggs and Django!
JimRichter
Oct-07-2005, 9:05am
Is this the same Al Jones that sang on Bill Keith's "Something Auld, Something New" back in the 70's?
Jim
futrconslr
Oct-07-2005, 9:06am
Well, they cant get anything from the estate because Monroe had a good lawyer. By giving a dollar to any unknown children ....good estate planning! lol Especially if you "like the women."
I suspect they can get a little mileage from the claim. Im curious. If they came to my town I would go see them for that reason alone.
jim simpson
Oct-07-2005, 5:20pm
"Proves you better be careful. You may leave more legacy than you want". Mort
Yes, one should be careful! I remember seeing a female comedian who responded when asked if she had any children, "not that I'm aware of".
I love that one!
Coy Wylie
Oct-07-2005, 6:16pm
I'm curious. #If they came to my town I would go see them for that reason alone.
You can see them often on the Crossing the Cumberland's show on RFDTV. It seems like they are guesting nearly every other week.
GTison
Oct-09-2005, 3:42pm
Maybe booking them was symbolic of the way the Rosine festival felt in relation to Monroe... Or maybe they hired them to embarass James because of his disputes with them... Or maybe they just hired them to show what a great a great family life Bill Monroe had, thereby increasing honor for Bill Monroe... Or maybe they hired them because they are great well known entertainers... Just another strange turn for this festival.
It also seemed a little comical (for this storyanyway) that the name of the paper has "inquirer" in the name I had to check it out to see if it was real. It also seems William Smith's book missed these 2 folks completely.
f5loar
Oct-09-2005, 9:15pm
There are "others" out there with claim to the Big Mon's genes. I think it has been pretty well estabished he prefered his women to booze. Travelling state to state without his wife in tow it would not be a surprise to see a trail of children left behind many never knowing and some with suspesion.
mando bandage
Oct-10-2005, 5:37am
I guess Bill followed in the tradition of his fellow Scotsman, Rabbie Burns: He loved women alot and he loved alot of women.
"The sweetest hours that e'er I spent...."
R
I will agree, this is a soap opera, Kentucky-style to be sure, but there is no doubt in my mind that they are the children of Bill Monroe, having met and spoke with both Al Jones and Gloria Jean at great length about their lives and how they came to this revalation. The very first time I saw a picture of Al I immediately thought "Bill Monroe" even before the subject of being his son was ever known to myself. Then when I met him for the first time it was obvious to me, first by the striking similarity in his appearance and most especially by his demeanor and mannerisms that he was who he claimed to be. And the circumstances surrounding Gloria Jean and how she came to discover the truth about her legacy and the fact that Al Jones was her brother is just as compelling a story, and all of this will be fully disclosed in great detail in the near future. I can say this unequivically...neither Al Jones, or his sister, Gloria Jean have ANY desire to claim ANY part of Bill Monroe's estate, they want NOTHING nor do they need ANYTHING from James other than to be acknowledged as being the children of Bill. Al Jones and Gloria Jean have had very satisfying and successful careers as musicians, playing and singing tradtional style bluegrass music, honoring and preserving the legacy of their father, Bill Monroe. As for the notion that they were "hired" to play at the recent and highly successful Jerusalem Ridge Celebration just to embarass James Monroe, it's plain by HIS actions and positon in this matter that he is quite capable of doing that himself. Both Al and Gloria Jean are ardent supporters of the now named Monroe Brothers Foundation (thank you James!) and do so to purely to HONOR their father and his music, not to PROFIT and capitalize on it! They both asked to come and perform at Jerusalem Ridge, along with Ralph Stanley and over 40 other bands to celbrate and honor the legacy and life of Bill Monroe and to preserve the traditional style of bluegrass music which Bill so graciously left behind. For those of you who are not familiar, or aware of The Monroe Brothers Foundation and what they are trying to accomplish, you can visit their all new website at: www.themonroebrothersfoundation.org
Ron M
GTison
Oct-22-2005, 11:24am
Maybe it is too close to his death ( wow 10 years) for me to think that Monroe would have ever wanted all this personal embarasing info to come out. #Or that it somehow honors the Monroe family (or Brothers or what ever legal-eze you want to call it now) or Rosine for that matter. #The musical legacy is what should be honored not all Bill's errors. #Perhaps the Rosine "committee" should hire a PR firm to help them out here. #Or maybe I'm just old fashioned! #(like the music). #Maybe in todays post moral times we should make our stars be just like the pop stars. #Tabloid style!!
Garrett
Oct-22-2005, 1:18pm
I can't see for the life of me why, given the fact that Monroe was the one who made mistakes and covered them up, that his children shouldn't be able to proudly state who their father was. Jeez, how old are they and how long have they been hiding this? I couldn't care less what he did in his free time, he will be remembered for Little Georgia Rose long after people are wondering who the song was about! So let his children enjoy the fact that their father was a great musical genius.
After much soul searching and self turmoil, Al Jones and his sister, Gloria Jean came forward on their own to offer the foundation whatever support they could give to help in preserving the honor and legacy of who they know to be their father. Yes, they kept silent all these years out of respect for his memory and came forward and made their heritage known for the very same reason. They never implied that they were the result of Bill Monroe's "mistakes," in fact they are simply proud of their father and his musical legaacy, of which they are a part of. To speculate otherwise is just plain false, and seems a bit vindictive and petty.
As for the Rosine "committee" (?) I must say again, if there is any notion that this is all a publicity stunt, then you haven't a clue as to what the Monroe Brothers Founadtion is all about. Both Al Jones and sister will continue to give their support to the foundation and will most definitely appear at Jerusalem Ridge 2006 next October just because they care...
Ron M
Scotti Adams
Oct-23-2005, 7:22am
..Thanks Ron for your input..I,for one, appreciate it and I think along the lines as you.
Thank you Scotti for your comments. I just wish people would get their facts straight before making such broad statements and assumptions. Opinions are one thing, gossip and inneundo is another story. I am proud to be a member of the Monroe Brothers Foundation and what is has, and hopes to accomplish.
To see for youself firsthand what the foundation is all about, I implore anyone who is a pure bluegrass fan to attend the Jerusalem Ridge Celebration...it will explain itself.
Jerusalem Ridge Celebration 2006
Oct. 5th thru 8th
Jerusalem Ridge
Rosine, KY
www.jerusalemridgefestival.org
www.themonroebrothersfoundation.org
GTison
Oct-23-2005, 10:19am
Nolo contendere!!
jbrwky
Oct-23-2005, 12:50pm
Easy enough to check nowadays. Just do the test. Ain't no ordinary bloodtest neither. They got them hematomas and geriatrics they can check. I seen a show yesterday that they said traced all the way back to a single father for every human being. Somebody they reckon called Adam. I don't know how they know that. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
In the midst of all of this is the fact that in several depositions regarding his lawsuit to stop the foundation from using the name or image of Bill Monroe, James Monroe testified on numerous occassions, under oath that he never knew of or ever met Al Jones. I submit the enclosed photo for your consideration...
Scotti Adams
Oct-24-2005, 7:19am
Ha..just goes to show what Ive been eluding to about James in other posts...you gotta watch that boy.....he would try to sell a submarine owner screen doors.
chirorehab
Oct-24-2005, 8:33am
Wow...That photo.... I think Al looks more like Bill than James does!
swampstomper
Oct-24-2005, 9:09am
Maybe, but it's eerie how close James' vocal mannerisms mimic his father's
Willie
Oct-26-2005, 12:25pm
I`m not sure vocal mannerism`s are carried through the genes or if it is from being around a person...Anyway I have picked many a show with Al Jones as a member of his group and jamming and he always said he was Bill`s son but always said it in a joking way while Bill was still alive, at least that is the way myself and a lot of others took it...I know that Bill sowed some wild oats and there sure is a resembelance for sure....But it makes no never mind to me, I still worship Bill and think a lot of Al also.....Willie
singinggirl
Oct-26-2005, 10:42pm
Thanks Ron M,
I want to thank you for yoru imput about AL Jones and Gloria Jean as they are both friends of mine. They are very thankful to find eachother so that they can make the best use of what time they have left together. They may not have been raised together and never met before Sept. of 2004,but they are very close. they both say they owe finding each other to the legendary Roni Stoneman star of Hee Haw. Am eager to learn more. Susan
singinggirl
Oct-26-2005, 10:49pm
Hey ron, while I am on here, lets all thank Campbell Mercer and the Monroe Foundation for all they are doing for the preversation of the Monroe homeplace. Everyone should start supporting this organazation for without them the Monroe home would be in ruin on the ground with no chance to be restored. Lets jump in there and start a movement to help them fight the ones who are trying to destroy what the Foundation has worked so hard to restore. Thanks Campbell Mercer and all you wonderful volunteers. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif
Thank you Gloria, for acknowledging the Herculean efforts of Campbell Mercer in his tireless work to restore, promote and preservre the Monroe Homeplace, and also in producing the increasingly successful Jerusalem Ridge Celebration. And all of this in the face of the continuing and ongoing legal attacks from James Monroe who has sued to block the use of te name and images of Bill Monroe and Hayward Spinks who wants to throw the foundation off of Jerusalem Ridge. Indeed they desparately need more support from the bluegrass community that they are currently getting, and this is due in part to the aforementioned litigations. I can only say that in spite of the legal challenges, the "Monroe Brothers Fondation" as it is now called, is moving forward and will be embarking on an ambitious campaign to enlist greater support and membership in the coming year. I urge all of those who love and appreciate true traditional bluegrass music to join our cause, and you can find out the many ways that you can help by visiting their new website and clicking on the "Support BMF" link at: www.themonroebrothersfoundation.org (http://www.themonroebrothersfoundation.org)
RonM
Jim Yates
Oct-27-2005, 9:44am
Jim Simpson said," I remember seeing a female comedian who responded when asked if she had any children, 'not that I'm aware of'."
Was that Christine Lavin Jim? I've heard her use that line before.
singinggirl
Oct-28-2005, 5:55am
Ron, if you want to see more pictures of Carolina Rose and AL Jones go to http://www.carolinarose.com http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif
swampstomper
Oct-28-2005, 7:04am
Hmmm.. I didn't realise that Carolina Rose is from Norwood NC. That is the home town of Bessie Lee Mauldin. The Richard D Smith book has an account of Monroe visiting Bessie's family in Norwood. And I believe he learned "Walking in Jerusalem" in Norwood from some Afro-American fans who were introduced to him by Bessie Lee's father. I don't think it's alledged that Rose is the daughter of Bessie Lee... or yes? If not, that implies than Mon was cheating in Bessie's home town if Rose really is his daughter.
singinggirl
Oct-30-2005, 9:40am
Well Swampstomper, you are right . Carolina Rose is from Norwood and her birth Mother and Bessie Lee were once good friends. If you want the story of Carolina Roses life with her birth Mother buy her album from the Highlander's Store. "Carolina Rose" Breaking Out. Susan http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif
singinggirl
Oct-30-2005, 9:42am
Oh yes, by the way. Monroe was not cheating on Bessie Lee in her home town and it isn't alleged that she is Bessie Lee's daughter even though the two girls lives are apparently about the same. Thanks. Susan