The Mandolin Of Bill Monroe Vol. 1

On this instructional and entertaining session, the "father of bluegrass" discusses and demonstrates the instrumental techniques which have changed the course of American music. Bill Monroe plays twenty-seven great tunes (some recorded here for the first time), including favorites such as "Rawhide," "Wheel Hoss," "Tennessee Blues," "Dusty Miller," "Roanoke," "Pike Country Breakdown," "Blue Grass Stomp,"Get Up John," "Katie Hill" and "Rocky Road Blues."

The camera's eye reveals, up close and in detail, Bill's incredible facility and inventiveness on the mandolin. He plays and sings both solo and backed up by the Blue Grass Boys. In an intimate conversation with fellow musician John Hartford, Bill discusses a wide variety of topics: His musical development, ideas about performing and song writing, memories of childhood, early touring days, his years on the Grand Ole Opry and much more.

As a special bonus, we have added previously unseen footage of a performance for President Jimmy Carter at the White House in 1980, including rare duets between Bill Monroe and Doc Watson.