Come Hither to Go Yonder: PLAYING BLUEGRASS WITH BILL MONROE (Music in American Life) [Paperback]

Bob Black (Author)

Book Description

Series: Music in American Life | Publication Date: May 18, 2005

Bill Monroe is so foundational to bluegrass music that the entire genre took its name from his band, the Blue Grass Boys. In "Come Hither to Go Yonder", Bob Black recounts his years spent as a member of that seminal band. While other work on Bill Monroe has been written from a historical point of view, "Come Hither to Go Yonder" is told from the perspective of a musician who was actually there. Filled with observations made from the unique vantage point of a man who has traveled and performed extensively with the master, this book is Bob Black's personal memoir about the profound influence that Monroe exerted on the musicians who have carried on the bluegrass tradition in the wake of his 1996 death.This volume also includes a complete listing of Bob Black's appearances with Monroe, his most memorable experiences while they worked together, brief descriptions of the more important musicians and bands mentioned, and suggestions for further reading and listening.Offering a rare perspective on the creative forces that drove one of America's greatest composers and musical innovators, "Come Hither to Go Yonder" will deeply reward any fans of Bill Monroe, of bluegrass, or of American vernacular music. Bob Black played banjo as one of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. He recorded with Monroe on the "Weary Traveler" album, and later played with Buck White and the Down Home Folks. He appears on a number of fiddle albums by Kenny Baker, and has performed with Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley, Rhonda Vincent, Marty Stuart, Frank Wakefield, John Hartford, the Whites, and other artists. He currently lives near Iowa City, where he performs in Perfect Strangers, the Banjoy Band, and other groups. He has published articles in "Bluegrass Unlimited" and in 2002 received the Iowa Arts Council's Traditional Arts Award.Neil Rosenberg studies contemporary vernacular music traditions, including the music and lives of bluegrass, country and folk musicians in Canada and the United States. He is the author of "Bluegrass: A History". This is a volume in the series "Music in American Life".

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (May 18, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 025207243X
• ISBN-13: 978-0252072437
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #893,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down 'til done, October 5, 2005

By 

Forest Stump (Charlottesville, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Come Hither to Go Yonder: PLAYING BLUEGRASS WITH BILL MONROE (Music in American Life) (Paperback)

I've read a number of books about Bill Monroe over the years and this is the best. It is written by one who wore "the hat" and toured and recorded with Big Mon for two years. The reader benefits from an insider's perspective of what it was really like being around Monroe, not only working with him on the road and in the studio but even on his farm, mending fences and such. Bob Black is a good writer, serious and humorous at times and well worth reading.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Bluegrass Boy Tells His Story, December 17, 2011

By 

Big D - See all my reviews

This review is from: Come Hither to Go Yonder: PLAYING BLUEGRASS WITH BILL MONROE (Music in American Life) (Paperback)

I have read several books on Bill Monroe. In his book Bob Black gives an overview of his life which includes his years prior to playing with Monroe and after including playing with the Whites. The book is interesting because it gives a first hand account of what it was like playing with the father of bluegrass. It gives insight into playing and interacting with him and the bluegrass boys. Black gives a honest account without overly praising Monroe. It is an easy read that will capture the reader's attention from the first chapter.