As we close out 2018 we felt it was time to revisit our list of top 10 Bill Monroe and Monroe related features published within the pages of the Mandolin Cafe. What follows is a summary and ranking of our Top 10 Monroe features to grace our web site.
1. Bill Monroe Receives his Mandolin from Gibson - The Video
"Ladies and gentleman this is the greatest honor in the world right here!," a visibly excited Bill Monroe proclaimed as he held his Lloyd Loar mandolin high in the air, post-repair.
It's the only video known to exist of the events of the day at the Gibson factory, February 25, 1986, captured by photojournalist Scott Wright as Monroe played the first notes on his cherished mandolin. Also in attendance: Charlie Derrington, Chet Atkins and Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz are among the dignitaries on hand to witness the moment.
Stored in Wright's home for 40 years on technology no longer in use, the footage was entrusted to the Mandolin Cafe for converting from 80s videocassette to web video.
2. Bill Monroe Farm Interview - February 25, 1986
Another never-before-seen interview with Monroe on his farm's front porch swing the day after his mandolin has been returned post-repair from Gibson. From photojournalist Scott Wright and Dave Higgs as interviewer.
3. The Charlie Derrington Interview
Another one-of-a-kind interview, previously never seen until published here. Background information on the repair of Monroe's mandolin from Derrington. From photojournalist Scott Wright and Dave Higgs
4. Curative Talk For a True Life
One of the most widely read articles in the history of the Cafe, Bill Graham's 2009 feature on Monroe was and remains a sensible response to some of the controversy surrounding a Monroe biography.
5. 10 Questions for Laura Weber Cash
Priceless for the 1:50 sound clip of Monroe speaking before an audience about his troubled relationship with Gibson, why he gouged out the logo, and his subsequent mending of ways with the company.
6. A Brief History of Evening Prayer Blues
Bradley Klein's fascinating feature article about Monroe's close relationship with Opry legend DeFord Bailey who penned "Evening Prayer Blues." Also a look at arguably the most important champion of Monroe's music, Mike Compton.
7. Monroe's Gouged Mandolin Headplate To Be Sold
Bill Graham's look into the background and issues surrounding Monroe's relationship with Gibson.
8. Bill Monroe Interview in Denver, Feb. 19, 1986
Dave Higgs interview with Monroe with photojournalist Scott Wright responsible for the video that set the scene for their imminent trip to Nashville to record the return of his mandolin from Gibson post-repair.
Photo credit: Scott Wright
9. 10 Questions for Mick Buck
An interview with Mick Buck, Curatorial Director at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum that took place shortly after Monroe's mandolin took up residence in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Photo credit: Scott Tichenor
10. An Interview with Thomas A. Adler
Adler's book from 2011 entitled Bean Blossom - The Brown County Jamboree and Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festivals is an essential and fascinating look into early bluegrass festival culture with Monroe at the center.
See also
My Long and Winding Road to Bill Monroe - Bill Graham's 2008 feature article on his journey to the music of Bill Monroe decades earlier, a familiar trip taken by many.
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