The first of six programmes in which Nick Barraclough traces the story of bluegrass - that fast, rolling, thrilling sound of banjos, fiddles and mandolins familiar from
Bonnie and Clyde, The Beverly Hillbillies and Duelling Banjos. From its beginning in the early 40s, the highly pitched mountain music, born of hard times, has become one of the most sophisticated musical styles in America.
Tonight Nick Barraciough profiles the man who effectively created bluegrass music,
Bill Monroe. And he hears from his admirers, including Bernie Leadon of the Eagles, Ricky Skaggs and Doug Dillard.
A Smooth Operations production