James Monroe
 

James Monroe comes by his passion for bluegrass music quite naturally. He was born into the "Royal Family" of bluegrass as the only son of the "Father of Bluegrass," Bill Monroe.

James grew up both in the glare of the spotlight, and the shadow of a larger than life legend whose music set his son's life on course to pursue his own signature dream of making music.

Cutting his teeth onstage with his dad as part of Bill's legendary "Bluegrass Boys," James' unique style and soundings on guitar, as well as his pure bluegrass vocals, made him a stand-out in the band during his tenure with them from 1964 to 1971. It was a unique "school" for the musical gifted students of bluegrass who got to pick with the master himself onstage. Standing beside his father, James played every major bluegrass festival of note, guested regularly on the hallowed stage of the old Ryman for the "Grand Ole Opry," as well as performing "once in a lifetime" career highlights such as Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Former "Bluegrass Boys" who shared the opportunity with James included a virtual "who's who" of legendary musicians in their own right - including Vassar Clements, Sonny Osborne, Mac Wiseman, Jimmy Martin, Red Smiley, and Carter Stanley.

He recorded close to one hundred sides with his father, most of them, with Bill's passing, now termed archival treasures in the country and bluegrass genres.

In 1971 James left the "Bluegrass Boys" to form his own group and make his own distinctive mark in the music world. He formed the "Midnight Ramblers," a group that soon became one of the most popular and busiest bluegrass bands on the road. Driven by the unique vocals and innovative guitar style James has perfected with his father's group, the signature sound of the "Midnight Ramblers" was pure Monroe in nature but totally James in spirit.

A gifted songwriter, he has self written many of his own classics, including "Girl of My Dreams," "Midnight Blues," "Sweet Lucy," "Tennessee Sunday" and "Snowing in Dixie." He has recorded both bluegrass and gospel projects.

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