Bill Monroe Movies

The Best of the Johnny Cash Show captures a number of memorable performances from the variety show hosted by the country music legend. This collection includes performances by Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Neil Young, Ray Charles, Pete Seeger, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Bill Monroe was inarguably the single most important and influential figure in the history of bluegrass music. Fusing the fiddle and madolin sounds of the Eastern Kentucky Hills with the guitars of rural blues and adding a streamlined speed and emotional passion to the music, Monroe was truly the father of bluegrass and a brilliant musician by any standards. This program features performances by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, with interviews and performances from a host of special guests, including Dolly Parton, Lester Flat, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Garica, John Hartford, Marty Stuart, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, Tim O'Brian and noted bluegrass authority Paul McCartney. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

The Mandolin of Bill Monroe 2: Detailed Analysis features respected professional musician Sam Bush breaking down some of the songs made famous by Monroe so that the viewer can more easily replicate Monroe's style. The video includes detailed explanations of how to play songs like "Blue Grass Breakdown," "Frog on a Lily Pad," "Back to the Old Home," "Rawhide," and "Get Up John." ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Some of the leading names in country music are on hand for this documentary shot in "Music City U.S.A." Filmmakers Robert Elfstrom and David Hoffman traveled to Nashville, TN, in 1969 for a country disc jockeys convention that coincided with the 44th anniversary celebration of the famed radio show the Grand Ole Opry. Many of the biggest stars of the day appeared to greet radio staff from around the nation and perform before the Opry's microphones, with Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Porter Wagoner, and many others captured live on-stage. The filmmakers also interview fans on the street as well as label representatives both big and small who are promoting their product. Offering a different perspective on the Nashville music scene, we also sit in on a recording session with Doug Kershaw and a rehearsal with the country-rock band Tracy Nelson and Mother Earth. Finally, the filmmakers also follow one Herbie Howell, a singer and songwriter from Georgia who has arrived in Nashville in search of his big break. Co-director Elfstrom would make two other films with Johnny Cash, the documentary Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music and the spiritual drama The Gospel Road. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Visit the Grand Ole Opry for some all time great performances. ~ Rovi