Owensboro: Home of bluegrass & 'Mister Bill'

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Owensboro, Kentucky is the birthplace of bluegrass and 'Mister Bill' Monroe, the father of bluegrass music.

Bill Monroe's homeplace at Jerusalem Ridge in Rosine is the birthplace of bluegrass music. In the 1920s and 1930s, 'Mister Bill' played with his brother, Charlie. When they broke up in 1938, he formed Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, giving birth to a new form of country music.

The circa 1910 Arts and Crafts-style Helton House is Owensboro's only bed and breakfast. The sun porch, with its sofa piled high with pillows, is ideal for reading, snoozing or watching the sights.

Items belonging to Mister Bill displayed at his home in Rosine.

The rustic Rosine Barn was one of Monroe's stomping grounds. Bluegrass aficionados from all over the world flock here to see the stage where Mister Bill played. The barn rocks with music and dancing on Friday evenings year round. Admission is free, the talent is local, and a plate is passed during the night for donations.

The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art has a permanent collection of American, European and Asian fine and decorative arts dating from the 15th century to the present and hosts major traveling exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year.

Bluegrass is rooted in American country with the mandolin, fiddle and acoustic bass at its core.

The Rosine General Store is another landmark and, like the barn, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Drop in to buy a snack or slice of homemade pie and you might be treated to an informal bluegrass jam session.

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Bill Monroe's homeplace at Jerusalem Ridge in Rosine is the birthplace of bluegrass music. In the 1920s and 1930s, 'Mister Bill' played with his brother, Charlie. When they broke up in 1938, he formed Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, giving birth to a new form of country music.

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