This day in music history.

September 9, 1996, Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, died in a nursing home in Springfield, Tenn. He was 84 years old at the time of his death, he was being treated following a stroke a few months earlier. Not only did Bill invent and name "Bluegrass" he was also the greatest mandolin player that ever lived and sang with a beautiful tenor voice. His band, The Bluegrass Boys had an ever changing line up over the years, including Jimmy Martin, Rudy Lyle, Merle Taylor, Charlie Cline, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Although Monroe toured relentlessly, performing hundreds of shows a year, he almost never gave interviews and would rarely perform on television. Bill was recognized by the United States Senate in 1986 for his contribution to American culture. His most famous songs include "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "Scotland" and "When The Golden Leaves Begin To Fall." Bill was once asked if he had any advice for young musicians, he said "Practice every time you get a chance."
Angels, Rock Me To Sleep by Bill Monroe And The Bluegrass Boys
My heart is sad my soul is weary
While sailing oe'r life's rugged plain
The clouds are dark the day is dreary
It seems Angels rock me to sleep in the cradle of love
Bear me over the deep to heaven above
When the shadows shall fall and the savior shall call
Angels rock me to sleep in the cradle of love
There is no earthly friend to guide me
No one to call to heaven's goal
But Christ the savior stands beside me
To cheer and comfort my poor soul
At last the harbor I am nearing
I see the lights along the shore
I hear my friends and loved ones cheering
I'll soon be safe for ever more