I've read stories about him blacking people's eyes just for missing a note. I've also heard stories about him lifting his whole band up on his shoulders with a piece of wood.
@@bvs56 Yes, "Big Mon" was well known for his own short temper whenever any of his sidemen miss a beat. He also felt that the "copycat" bluegrass artists, such as the Stanley Brothers, were an insult to him rather than paying tribute to him. He was not happy when, in 1948, the Stanley Brothers released their cover version of his "Molly and Tenbrooks" on an independent label before he could do so himself (he had recorded his version a year earlier, but hadn't released it yet), and when he then learned that Columbia Records subsequently signed the Stanleys, Monroe, who himself at that point been a Columbia artist, moved to Decca in a huff. Monroe was also unhappy that both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, who themselves were complaining of not being adequately paid their dues, left him to form their own band, taking fiddler Chubby Wise with them; in retaliation, Monroe took away their lead singer, Mac Wiseman.
Bringing it all back home.....the yodelling was probably introduced to Apalachian mountain region by folks from Austria and Switzerland and became part of the local tradition before evolving into the country sound.
I have experienced Bill Monroe with his Bluegrass Boys in "Zug" in Switzerland, when he was over 70 years old. Oh boy, he brought the whole tent to a boil. And his band was great. Loud young musicians, fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin. They were like a bluegrass and rock and roll band. I will not forget this concert.
Bill Monroe is no hillbilly, he’s the honorable Mr. Bill Monroe! Greatest mandolin player and bluegrass performer to ever grace a stage. Played it like the boss he is💗😎🇺🇸
Want to hear another incredible rendition of this one? On google music, look up Wilson Family Band and the album is 'Family Ties'. Their daughter just kills this song with her perfect yodals!
It is worth noting Joe Stuart on the guitar. Joe Stuart played with Bill Monroe off and on from the 50s. Joe played every instrument you see here; banjo, fiddle, bass, and guitar, but he considered himself a mandolin player. During the 50s, when Elvis had taken the fans from every form of music, Bill would travel from town to town with only Joe Stuart. Bill would hire local musicians as pick-up players and Joe would play what ever instrument was missing from the 5 piece. Joe said that he even filled in on mandolin when Monroe had injured himself.
I have a lot of respect for many fiddlers,there's been some great ones throughout the years. As a fiddle player myself,I must say Kenny was the best in bluegrass. Just my very humble opinion, as I don't intend to take anything from the other great players. Each one played their own part in this great music.
Oh Man, this is it! Kenny Baker - the epitome of Bluegrass Boy fiddle! Check those double stops and timing during the second part of his second break. Love the way Bill always used to let the fiddle have the whole thing with this number after he opened it with mando. And Bill's rhythm chop - strong, solid & always there. Also, yes, a young Jack Hicks on banjo and Bill's right hand man, Mr. Joe Stuart, on guitar. Joe could play anything and did with Bill - also Bill used to somethings "carry" him as his only man on the road when times were lean - Bill would pick up other players "on the way" and would use Joe on the unfilled instrument. The late, great Joe Stuart - usually not mentioned much & underrated. But, anyway, Kenny - WOW!
Right, nobody made whiskey or got drunk and never beat their wives. People never starved to death or were cheated out of money while working in coal mines Sorry to tell you this, but you have an idealized idea of life back then. As a wise man once said, "Religion is seen by the ignorant as true, by the wise as false and by the powerful as useful."
Good folks and friends, these cats are just having an average standard session, most of them have been playing longer than I've been alive at nearly half a century. What a relaxed, good old time, let's just pluck out one of the old tunes boys...and greatness ensues. There is a reason most the world enjoys this music, it is so timeless. What a fiddle...
Guitarists, notice that acoustic percussive rhythm, that is the Heat, he makes that guitar sound like an entire band. If they sounded any tighter I'd have to measure this in metric units, you could drop a transmission with tools like these.
My favorite Kenny Baker tune and video. I learned this tune from listening to Richard Greene, who was sounding a lot like Kenny when he played with Monroe and Peter Rowan in the 60s. Kennys version is perfect.
No kid in Nashville Tenn Today 2017.can play a fiddle like this man..he is totally possessing..100 years from now..kenny baker will be the best fiddle player to have ever played a fiddle in Nashville tenn.watch him move a bow and his tone on a fiddle is incredibly even and good.for Monroe's music..he invented bluegrass fiddle playing..r.jones.nash.tn.
"Mule Skinner Blues" or "Blue Yodel #8" is a great old Jimmie Rodgers song, written by Rodgers and George Vaughn Horton back about 1930 and first published in the summer of that year. I doubt there is a more coved song in existence. Most everybody and their brother and sister have coved this song. In case you are wondering, like I was, just what is a muleskinner, it is not one who skins mules. A mule is a valuable and highly prized draft animal, the offspring of a mare (female horse) and a jack (male donkey.) It has been said that the dumbest mule is smarter than the smartest horse. Mules are also much stronger than horses. A muleskinner is a muleteer. A muleteer is one who drives mules. Listening and watching the father of Bluegrass cover this song is a treat. Thanks for the upload.
Ayyyy God that's good!! I was fortunate enough to have sat right in front of him when I was 15 or 16 and heard them do this and many other truly important pieces of American music.
Boyfriend worked at the Great American Music Hall in Atlanta early 70's and I got to meet Mr, Monroe. Yikes. I'm still afraid! Very cold and unfriendly man, but he can be anything as long as he represents the beauty of our American heritage. Thank you and RIP,Sir.
We started going to bluegrass festivals in the 70s, mostly the Brown Co jamborees, and the ol' KFC festival in Louisville KY-- Now, I volunteer at 3 of them mostly in the Midwest!!!!!
Tell me that doesn't make ya proud to be an AMERICAN.?? There's nothing in the entire world that sounds like it or will ever.. it's OURS!! All country music, especially up to about the end of the century is special to me...
I can close my eyes and I'm at the Ryman in Nashville on a sat night don't want to come back to the present time shine Bill shine wooooooo ❤❤❤Johnny From Alabama wooooooo
Evertime I hear this beautiful music. It takes me back when I was alittle boy when I knew never back talk my mom dad . Discipline. Boy my dad knew how to use a paddle. Respect your parents.Thank you Bill Monroe for this beautiful music
@tazerdemt7354 It was a time when you learn to respect your mom and dad. My dad would always tell me you can take the easy road or you can take the hard road.
Do yourself a favor and listen to Jimmie Rogers . He and George Vaughan wrote this song and NO ONE has ever done it better, including Monroe. .You’ll thank me later.
The fellow playing Banger is Jack Hicks he now lives back in his home town of Ashland Ky. jut about two miles from me. agreat steel player as well as Banjo
the best music hard work of the cowmen i don't care if there's not a soul or a person for hundreds of miles you smoke tobacco in that barn your fried from a good gracious good giving job
they really rock! 👍 the inventor of Blue Grass. a mule skinner was someone that could out smart the stubbornest of mules and get them to do what they wanted.
I seen them at campbells corner oxford pa in 1963 or 64. I was a little one. There was also Melba Montgomery there. I hiked on over to her and sat on her lap. God she was beautiful. I would like to talk to her now.
Well, good morning, captain Good morning to you, sir Hey, hey, yeah Do you need another mule skinner Down on your new mud run? Hey, hey, yeah Yodel-a-ee-he-he He-he-he-he-he-he Well, I'm a lady mule skinner From down old Tennessee way Hey, hey, I come from Tennessee I can make any mule listen Or I won't accept your pay Hey, hey, I won't take your pay Yodel-a-ee-he-he He-he-he-he-he-he Well, hey, hey, little water boy Won't you bring your water 'round? Hey, hey If you don't like your job Well, you can throw your bucket down Throw it down, boy, throw it down Yodel-a-ee-he-he He-he-he-he-he-he Well, I've been working down in Georgia At a greasy spoon cafe Hey, I've been working in Georgia Just to let a no good man Call every cent of my pay Hey, hey, and I'm sick of it And wanna be a mule skinner Yodel-a-ee-he-he He-he-he-he-he-he Yodel-a-ee-he-he He-he-he-he-he-he Mule skinner blues
Bill debuted on the Opry in the late 1930s with this Jimmie Rodgers song, playing it on guitar! It secured his job there for decades. ;) Kenny Baker proves why Bill (who was stingy with compliments) called Kenny his favorite Bluegrass Boy fiddler. Yowzah!
![Road Of Life [1974] - Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KJ-VeyC3AxI/mqdefault.jpg)
This could well be the greatest Bluegrass performance ever recorded. Bill Monroe and Kenny Baker at the top of thier game!
I would have loved to be one of those eight people who were there to applaud for them.
Also written by the most talented woman to ever live?✌️❤️
Yes.
Would give anything to be in that audience!
Couldn't agree more. My favorite as well
Kenny Baker's playing on this tune is the epitome of bluegrass fiddling. He was the greatest.
prof5string will always be damn straight ,no one today is anywhere near is talent or ability hands down!!!!!
Yes he was. Bill was lucky to have him.!
Kenny was something else and I'm sure that Vassar Clements learned a lot from him, as he's just as good a fiddle player
He outshines Monroe in this song
Genius player
Unmatched hillbilly voice of Bill Monroe! Incredible discipline he demanded on stage of his musicians! Precise, impeccably dressed and professional!
I've read stories about him blacking people's eyes just for missing a note. I've also heard stories about him lifting his whole band up on his shoulders with a piece of wood.
@@bvs56 Yes, "Big Mon" was well known for his own short temper whenever any of his sidemen miss a beat. He also felt that the "copycat" bluegrass artists, such as the Stanley Brothers, were an insult to him rather than paying tribute to him.
He was not happy when, in 1948, the Stanley Brothers released their cover version of his "Molly and Tenbrooks" on an independent label before he could do so himself (he had recorded his version a year earlier, but hadn't released it yet), and when he then learned that Columbia Records subsequently signed the Stanleys, Monroe, who himself at that point been a Columbia artist, moved to Decca in a huff. Monroe was also unhappy that both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, who themselves were complaining of not being adequately paid their dues, left him to form their own band, taking fiddler Chubby Wise with them; in retaliation, Monroe took away their lead singer, Mac Wiseman.
I grew up listening to this and I will die listening to this!!!! Greatest music ever made.
Kenny Baker is flat walking that fiddle. Never get tired of watching this performance.
Glad you enjoy it
Is it a fiddle or a violin?
Kenny Baker tearing up that fiddle!
+Hammerin' Hank
yep...but wait till u see
G O D !!!
@@bernardpopp541 Kenny's teaching God how to play fiddle.
Why aren´t I in America yet? The music alone is worth it to live in the States!! Greetings from Austria
Bringing it all back home.....the yodelling was probably introduced to Apalachian mountain region by folks from Austria and Switzerland and became part of the local tradition before evolving into the country sound.
No, the music is not a good reason. The government just wants us all to expire. I bet your country is waaaaayy better.
Come to the States brother and enjoy the the music , bring your Glock with ya 👍
@@millieatr OK, I´m gonna do this! I only have a CZ Shadow2
@@sigistrele5835 Thats a badass gun 👍
I have experienced Bill Monroe with his Bluegrass Boys in "Zug" in Switzerland, when he was over 70 years old. Oh boy, he brought the whole tent to a boil. And his band was great. Loud young musicians, fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin. They were like a bluegrass and rock and roll band. I will not forget this concert.
I'm a huge metal fan and Bill Monroe can shred better than I've ever seen..... He melts that fretboard
Yes, I was there too playing with Groundspeed at the festival. Great memories !
Bill Monroe is no hillbilly, he’s the honorable Mr. Bill Monroe! Greatest mandolin player and bluegrass performer to ever grace a stage. Played it like the boss he is💗😎🇺🇸
He is from KY. He is considered a hillbilly. I am too. KY native
I’m a hillbilly too. S.w. vA.😂😊🇺🇸😎
Lol, yes, you are
Human being....
Kenny is the baddest fiddle player ever period!!!
Better than you, of course
None better than the master of bluegrass fiddle...kenny baker!!! Salute!!!!
Man, I love that Kentucky bluegrass music.
Bluegrass is life without it the rivers would run red.
Same! :)
Want to hear another incredible rendition of this one? On google music, look up Wilson Family Band and the album is 'Family Ties'. Their daughter just kills this song with her perfect yodals!
i love it to in the west coast of europe
I got to play with Kenny Baker in a parking lot jam at Glen Rose, or Hugo, or somewhere, in the 70s. It was life-altering.
It is worth noting Joe Stuart on the guitar. Joe Stuart played with Bill Monroe off and on from the 50s. Joe played every instrument you see here; banjo, fiddle, bass, and guitar, but he considered himself a mandolin player. During the 50s, when Elvis had taken the fans from every form of music, Bill would travel from town to town with only Joe Stuart. Bill would hire local musicians as pick-up players and Joe would play what ever instrument was missing from the 5 piece. Joe said that he even filled in on mandolin when Monroe had injured himself.
Blessed to have been raised in East Tennessee where friends, neighbors, community could see the music spring up like like magic.
It was recorded on the Jim and Jesse TV show in early 70s
Kenny Baker is the GOAT of fiddle playing period!!!
will never ever tire of kenny's fiddle sound and technique..!!!
This perfect Mountain Music offering has it ALL! Bill Monroe, excellent fiddler and that essential addictive pure Beat we love.
This is the music I live for.
YES!
Me to
I never get tired of hearing Kenny.
I'm feeling that high lonesome sound!
I have a lot of respect for many fiddlers,there's been some great ones throughout the years. As a fiddle player myself,I must say Kenny was the best in bluegrass. Just my very humble opinion, as I don't intend to take anything from the other great players. Each one played their own part in this great music.
Oh Man, this is it! Kenny Baker - the epitome of Bluegrass Boy fiddle! Check those double stops and timing during the second part of his second break. Love the way Bill always used to let the fiddle have the whole thing with this number after he opened it with mando. And Bill's rhythm chop - strong, solid & always there. Also, yes, a young Jack Hicks on banjo and Bill's right hand man, Mr. Joe Stuart, on guitar. Joe could play anything and did with Bill - also Bill used to somethings "carry" him as his only man on the road when times were lean - Bill would pick up other players "on the way" and would use Joe on the unfilled instrument. The late, great Joe Stuart - usually not mentioned much & underrated. But, anyway, Kenny - WOW!
Each song is meaningful and it's soothing to the soul when you stressed especially this time of pandemic..God bless all the listeners 😍😊
perfect voice at this age, thats amazing
One of my favorite versions of this song, and I've heard many.
Bluegrass is the heart beat of Country music.
THE AMERICA I LOVED!!!
where God's ways were respected...and the rural culture reflected that!!#
Right, nobody made whiskey or got drunk and never beat their wives. People never starved to death or were cheated out of money while working in coal mines Sorry to tell you this, but you have an idealized idea of life back then. As a wise man once said, "Religion is seen by the ignorant as true, by the wise as false and by the powerful as useful."
I can listen to this song over and over!! Awesome music wish they still played this kind of music!!
I REMEMBER MY GRANDMA TELLING ME ABOUT SEEING BILL PLAY AT THE LITTLE SCHOOLHOUSE IN FANCY GAP VA. IN THE MIDDLE 40'S,
David Hall The name of that school was Brookmore School grades 1 thru 12
Normally I shudder when I see comments in all caps, but you deserve a pass.
My dad has talked about them playing at Blue Ridge High School back then. Bill tried to get my grandpa to travel with him playing fiddle
Bill played about anywhere that paid good money...
@@johnjriggsarchery2457 thank you i was drunk
Good folks and friends, these cats are just having an average standard session, most of them have been playing longer than I've been alive at nearly half a century. What a relaxed, good old time, let's just pluck out one of the old tunes boys...and greatness ensues. There is a reason most the world enjoys this music, it is so timeless. What a fiddle...
Guitarists, notice that acoustic percussive rhythm, that is the Heat, he makes that guitar sound like an entire band. If they sounded any tighter I'd have to measure this in metric units, you could drop a transmission with tools like these.
Dr. Bill Monroe, now see to it that you save a couple of notes for us sir.
Absolutely superb. Magnificent fiddle.
Yes, this is the best rendition ever.
No one can play bluegrass like Kenny Baker :) stunning tone and melodies!!! :€
Kenny Baker is the best bluegrass violinist of all time!!'''''!!!!!
you're right, bands needed him, he didn't need them.
Smoothest fiddle I've ever heard, coming from a fellow violinist. 🎻
Yes one of the greatest. Jascha Heifetz and Kenny Baker are the finest violinists I ever saw perform!
My favorite Kenny Baker tune and video. I learned this tune from listening to Richard Greene, who was sounding a lot like Kenny when he played with Monroe and Peter Rowan in the 60s. Kennys version is perfect.
I often wish it was possible to be there when he played this for his Grand ‘Ol Opry audition. The Master! Awesome!
No kid in Nashville Tenn
Today 2017.can play a fiddle like this man..he is totally possessing..100 years from now..kenny baker will be the best fiddle player to have ever played a fiddle in Nashville tenn.watch him move a bow and his tone on a fiddle is incredibly even and good.for Monroe's music..he invented bluegrass fiddle playing..r.jones.nash.tn.
I freaking love this tune. Old country and bluegrass is amazing
"Mule Skinner Blues" or "Blue Yodel #8" is a great old Jimmie Rodgers song, written by Rodgers and George Vaughn Horton back about 1930 and first published in the summer of that year. I doubt there is a more coved song in existence. Most everybody and their brother and sister have coved this song.
In case you are wondering, like I was, just what is a muleskinner, it is not one who skins mules. A mule is a valuable and highly prized draft animal, the offspring of a mare (female horse) and a jack (male donkey.) It has been said that the dumbest mule is smarter than the smartest horse. Mules are also much stronger than horses. A muleskinner is a muleteer. A muleteer is one who drives mules.
Listening and watching the father of Bluegrass cover this song is a treat. Thanks for the upload.
Man that guy can play a Tennessee fiddle..hes a killer..the best ever..rj
Fiddling. Mastery at its best
The best
I could listen to Kenny play this and Jerusalem Ridge everyday, all day. )
Ayyyy God that's good!! I was fortunate enough to have sat right in front of him when I was 15 or 16 and heard them do this and many other truly important pieces of American music.
Boyfriend worked at the Great American Music Hall in Atlanta early 70's and I got to meet Mr, Monroe.
Yikes. I'm still afraid! Very cold and unfriendly man, but he can be anything as long as he represents the beauty of our American heritage.
Thank you and RIP,Sir.
I had some of his LPs when I was a 1970s teenager.I liked several of the oldies of bluegrass, but he was my fave.He had alot of great hits.
We started going to bluegrass festivals in the 70s, mostly the Brown Co jamborees, and the ol' KFC festival in Louisville KY-- Now, I volunteer at 3 of them mostly in the Midwest!!!!!
Kenny Baker. There will never be another like him....
The fiddle player is as smooth as silk.
This is the best music ever!! Love you Bill and Kenny!!
R.I.P. Kenny & Mr. Bill.
Tell me that doesn't make ya proud to be an AMERICAN.?? There's nothing in the entire world that sounds like it or will ever.. it's OURS!! All country music, especially up to about the end of the century is special to me...
I can close my eyes and I'm at the Ryman in Nashville on a sat night don't want to come back to the present time shine Bill shine wooooooo ❤❤❤Johnny From Alabama wooooooo
Evertime I hear this beautiful music. It takes me back when I was alittle boy when I knew never back talk my mom dad . Discipline. Boy my dad knew how to use a paddle. Respect your parents.Thank you Bill Monroe for this beautiful music
Whats that got to do with corporal punishment😂😂😂😂😂😂
@tazerdemt7354 It was a time when you learn to respect your mom and dad. My dad would always tell me you can take the easy road or you can take the hard road.
HIS IMMENSE STAGE PRESENCE, TRULY LARGER THAN LIFE, SAW HIM AT THE BRICKSKELLER IN D.C. OVER 40 PLUS YEARS AGO. WHAT A TALENT AND SHOWMAN!
The fiddle player is great. Great sound from his instrument
His name is Kenny Baker. He is a beast fiddle player. Him and guys like Vassar Clements Doug Kershaw are irreplaceable for sure.
Just had to listen before I start the day . I miss the Bluegrass Festivals. Always enjoyed your festival
Hello how are you doing today?
Baker is killing it. The double stops on his second round are just great. And, nobody is overplaying, imagine that… ;-)
The G.O.A.T. Ladies and gentlemen
Don’t get no better than this
This is the best version of this song. The orchestration makes it unique.
Gives me Goosebumps.. Unmatched Country hit from back in the day's..
Do yourself a favor and listen to Jimmie Rogers . He and George Vaughan wrote this song and NO ONE has ever done it better, including Monroe. .You’ll thank me later.
Think this is my favourite rendition. That Kenny Baker is sublime.
Kenny Baker is absolutely amazing! Bill's not bad either.
The fellow playing Banger is Jack Hicks he now lives back in his home town of Ashland Ky. jut about two miles from me. agreat steel player as well as Banjo
tomphoman ) my mom was born in flatwood in green up county Kentucky my grandpa was a coal mine.
I’m right below ya here in Louisa, home of the great Ricky Skaggs, and many more!
the kid can't help smiling while looking at Bill :)
I met Jack while he was playing bass for the Nashville Grass. He also played steel for Sonny James about that same time. Very talented and nice guy.
It's now Jack's turn to write a book.
as a little boy i grew up listening and loving music like this henh !
This is my jam! I love me some Bill Monroe
the best music hard work of the cowmen i don't care if there's not a soul or a person for hundreds of miles you smoke tobacco in that barn your fried from a good gracious good giving job
I love that High Lonesome Sound.
You could spread Kenny Baker's fiddle playing on a Martha White biscuit!!Kenny is the pride of Jenkins, Kentucky!!
Pure talent! ☘️☘️☘️
That's real music!!!
Incredible bunch of guys
Love fiddle music my dad was a champion fiddle player
I once played a show with Jack Hicks at the Fox Hunter Lodge in Kentucky, many years ago.
I was with Mountaineer Ramblers out of Milton WV
Yes, I did like it, Bill, you're a legend!
they really rock! 👍 the inventor of Blue Grass. a mule skinner was someone that could out smart the stubbornest of mules and get them to do what they wanted.
I seen them at campbells corner oxford pa in 1963 or 64. I was a little one. There was also Melba Montgomery there. I hiked on over to her and sat on her lap. God she was beautiful. I would like to talk to her now.
Some mighty fine pickin and grinnin
I could listen to Kenny baker play fiddle on this tune 50 times and ole.joe Stuart. Rj
O he was so good an smooth at ease
Such a beautiful cover of this song. I love Bluegrass Believers and my talented cousins Ron & Betty! Phyllis’s voice is pure joy.
The legend!
Kenny Baker was pure genius!!!
So awesome, Bill Monroe has no equal
Well, good morning, captain
Good morning to you, sir
Hey, hey, yeah
Do you need another mule skinner
Down on your new mud run?
Hey, hey, yeah
Yodel-a-ee-he-he
He-he-he-he-he-he
Well, I'm a lady mule skinner
From down old Tennessee way
Hey, hey, I come from Tennessee
I can make any mule listen
Or I won't accept your pay
Hey, hey, I won't take your pay
Yodel-a-ee-he-he
He-he-he-he-he-he
Well, hey, hey, little water boy
Won't you bring your water 'round?
Hey, hey
If you don't like your job
Well, you can throw your bucket down
Throw it down, boy, throw it down
Yodel-a-ee-he-he
He-he-he-he-he-he
Well, I've been working down in Georgia
At a greasy spoon cafe
Hey, I've been working in Georgia
Just to let a no good man
Call every cent of my pay
Hey, hey, and I'm sick of it
And wanna be a mule skinner
Yodel-a-ee-he-he
He-he-he-he-he-he
Yodel-a-ee-he-he
He-he-he-he-he-he
Mule skinner blues
Bill debuted on the Opry in the late 1930s with this Jimmie Rodgers song, playing it on guitar! It secured his job there for decades. ;) Kenny Baker proves why Bill (who was stingy with compliments) called Kenny his favorite Bluegrass Boy fiddler. Yowzah!
Love this music. Grew up with it because of my dad
Kenny Baker........... one of the very top best in the bluegrass
Beautiful !
Top of their game.
I saw Bill Monroe once in Kansas City and his mandolin was missing its twelfth fret. You’d have never known it by listening, he just played around it.
Can we say yeah?😊
I do like it Mr. Monroe. Thanks for the post!
🤓🙋♂️👍
This is why I love America!
Getting whiskey bent and listening to a hell of a good song.
We love you, Bill Monroe!
Awesome job on the fiddle!
Oh goodness, I used to play this over and over again, and my mother hated it.