Classic songs to learn...

[Songbird]

I want to start learning some of the old 30's and 40's bluegrass tunes. I've got a 4 disc bluegrass collection so I want to start working through each song by ear. But what are the classics that I should go for first? That I shouldn't miss out?
Thanks

[pathfinder]

Hi songbird. #I see that you're posting from the UK. #I also see that your thread refers to "songs" and to "tunes". #Please understand that there's a distinction between the two, so you may wish to provide some clarification. #

Are you looking for something for which singing and lyrics are required, or are you looking for purely instrumental numbers? #
Anyway, I'm guessing your four disc bluegrass collection is a compilation of various artists. #If so, I'd focus on anything recorded by six groups to get a good flavour for the classics. #Some of these tracks were actually laid down in the 1950's, because bluegrass was just getting its legs during the twenty year span you asked about (the 1930's and 1940's). #

I hope this list helps you out: #
1) Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys;
2) The Stanley Brothers (Carter and Ralph);
3) Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys;
4) Jim and Jesse McReynolds;
5) The Osborne Brothers (Bobby and Sonny);
6) Don Reno, Red Smiley and the Tennessee Cutups;