Product Details

• Actors: Lester Flatt, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, Bobby Osborne, Sonny Osborne
• Directors: Rachel Liebling
• Producers: Rachel Liebling, Andrew Serwer, Jenny R. Evans
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: SHANACHIE
• VHS Release Date: September 25, 1994
• Run Time: 95 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303309194
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,697 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
"The story of bluegrass is the story of Bill Monroe's musical legacy." So begins this superb 1991 documentary, which frames its historical survey around Monroe, the father of Kentucky bluegrass. As Monroe visits his old Kentucky home, now dilapidated and full of memories, the film traces the emergence of bluegrass from Appalachian descendants of Scotch-Irish settlers, and a variety of bluegrass greats (including narrator Mac Wiseman) offer informative anecdotes, accompanied by evocative archival footage and concert performances from the bluegrass festival circuit. Monroe's dominance is duly acknowledged, but ample time is devoted to his contemporaries and successors, including the fast-pickin' duo of Flat & Scruggs, the Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, and finally Alison Krauss, who passionately defends the music's acoustic purity. The rise, fall, and consistent revival of bluegrass is thus chronicled through oral history and visual record, resulting in a priceless film that even casual fans are sure to enjoy. --Jeff Shannon

From the Back Cover
With uncommon passion and devotion, High Lonesome traces the evolution of bluegrass, one of America's most vital musical fusions, from its folk roots in the Kentucky hills through the innovations which shaped its most modern forms. With over 100 songs and a keen thread of the cultural and historical forces running through them, High Lonesome captures the heart and soul of the music and its founder Bill Monroe, along with other seminal figures. The story unfolds through the words and songs of the musicians themselves, flawlessly matched with images imbued with an intimate front porch feel. Linking the music's birth with the social upheaval of the Great Depression and following it through the maze of American modernity, High Lonesome is more than just the vividly rendered story of bluegrass. It's a vision of how life has changed in America and a testimony to the enduring strength of a music that has continued to find voice over decades of shifting musical taste.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must if you love traditional bluegrass, April 12, 2003

By	Carol C. "ccjello" (Kansas City, MO USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: High Lonesome - The Story of Bluegrass Music (DVD)

This superb documentary explores the origins and developments of traditional bluegrass, from the the early years of the 20th century through the 1970's. It features a heavy dose of Bill Monroe, with a lot of Jimmy Martin, Mac Wiseman & Ralph Stanley rolled in. A number of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys alumni are also featured -- String Bean, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs. I found myself fascinated by the commentary and singing along to most of the performances. There are a number of clips that standing alone would make this DVD worth the money -- Bill Monroe clogging while picking his mandolin at what looks like a county fair, Ralph Stanley singing "Man of Constant Sorrow" (Ralph Stanley singing a capella gospel never fails to give me goosebumps), and hippie "flower children" in San Francisco grooving to bluegrass in the early 1970's. There are also some great clips of other wonderful performers -- A young, unpolished Alison Krauss, a young overly-polished George Jones in his crewcut days, singing "White Lightning", a young Porter Waggoner. In addition, there is commentary by two rail-thin farmers, wearing overalls & fedoras & leaning on hoes in a field, talking about the backdrop against which bluegrass music gained and lost popularity, discussing the struggles of the depression and that crazy hip-swinging Elvis who had people "throwing their babies at him" and everything. This is such a great DVD -- I know that I'll watch this again and again, and share it with several of my friends and family (and I'm half tempted to run out & buy myself a banjo and spend the next few years trying to learn to play like Earl Scruggs.)

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly rated by someone who was "there" at the beginning, March 13, 2004

By	Miss Tresninos "mistresninos" (SoCal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: High Lonesome - The Story of Bluegrass Music (DVD)

I bought this DVD for my grandfather for his birthday. He has listened to this music all his life and for so many years it was hard to find.

He called me immediately after receiving it and viewing it (10pm his time) to tell me how much he appreciated it. He said it brought back good, old memories of all the people who were in the DVD and of growing up with the music.

He told me that this was the best thing I could have given him for his birthday (aside from a visit from his great-grandkids).

I'd say from his reaction that if you like this music this is definitely a DVD you must see.

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT!!!!, May 14, 1999

By A Customer

High Lonesome is a video that should be on the shelf of every dedicated, loyal fan of Bluegrass Music and those that are becoming loyal, dedicated fans. For those who grew up with the music, even back to the days when it was still called country, this is a great film to kick in the nostalgia, and rev up the memories. For those who are becoming fans of this great American music, this video is BLUEGRASS 101. Here is the introduction to the basic roots of bluegrass as we know it. A fantastic look and rare clips fo those who made the music what is is and comments, explanations and perhaps some advice from the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. Here is the how, where, who and very importantly the why of the beginings of bluegrass music. This is all here in the words and music from the legends, both active and passed on. Legends like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Reno & Smiley, Flatt & Scruggs, Mac Wiseman, Osborne Bros.and any others. Wonderful clips such as an all too brief clip of Don Reno when he worked with Bill Monroe. I remember many of these artist. I am fortunate to have met many of these great artist, to have been acquainted with some and priviledged to call some friend. There is a difference. You will come to understand the dedication and determination that made the legends and their refusal to compromise in very difficult times. It is a revealing film to those who have many misconceptions of bluegrass music, the musicians and the fans. It is revealing of the honesty, integrity and sincerety of every thing connected to it. I play many of these artists, songs and traditions on my Sunday night show, WFPK, Louisville, KY.