Bill Monroe (born September 13, 1911, Rosine, Kentucky, USA - died September 9, 1996, Springfield, Tennessee, USA) was an American mandolinist who pioneered bluegrass music (which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys") and often referred to as "the father of bluegrass." Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as an "early influence").