The winner is Al Gassman
August 28 TRIVIA QUESTION
What musicial icon was quoted as follows by The New York Times?
“Bluegrass music is mysterious and deep rooted and you almost have to born playing it. Just because you are a great singer, or a great this or that doesn’t mean you can be in a bluegrass band. It’s almost like classical music. It’s harmonic and meditative, but it’s out for blood. If you ever heard the Osborne Brothers, then you know what I mean. It’s an unforgiving music and you can only stretch it so far. Beatles songs played in a bluegrass style don’t make any sense. It’s the wrong repertoire, and that’s been done. There are elements of bluegrass music for sure in what I play, especially the intensity and similar themes. But I don’t have the high tenor voice and we don’t have three part harmony or consistent banjo. I listen to Bill Monroe a lot, but I more or less stick to what I can do best.”
- Paul McCartney
- Bob Dylan
- Garth Brooks
- John Prine
- Levon Helm
Additional Bowden Comments
Glad to see so many responses! Spread the word about the contest please.
Paul McCartney likes to perform Blue Moon of Kentucky, although he mangles the lyrics badly.
Bob Dylan indeed gave that wonderful quote to the NYT this summer.
Garth Brooks? Who knows…
John Prine got grounded in the Chicago Old Town School of Music and I’m sure they had their Monroe experts and tunes there. Prine’s “Paradise” song about Muhlenburg County KY (where his parents were born) is getting right into Monroe country (Ohio County).
Levon Helm’s album “Poor Dirt Farmer” includes his liner notes about growing up in hard country on early bluegrass, especially The Stanley Brothers. There’s a strong bluegrass current in that album.
Let Lynn know if you want questions to be more difficult, easier, or on different subjects and I’ll do my best to adjust!
Bob Dylan
(Levon did have the three part harmony)
Bob Dylan
B. Dylan, the Captain and Tenille both said that its true!
He also said elsewhere that he was inspired to play folk/country music by hearing a Monroe Brothers 78 when he was 10 years old.
B
B
Levon Helm
Bob Dylan