Bessie Lee Mauldin
| Bessie Lee Mauldin | |
|---|---|
| Born |
December 28, 1920 Norwood, North Carolina |
| Died | February 8, 1983 (aged 62) |
| Instruments | Bass |
| Years active | 1953–1964 |
Bessie Lee Mauldin (Bessie Lee "The Carolina Songbird" Mauldin; December 28, 1920 in Norwood, North Carolina – February 8, 1983) was an American bluegrass bassist.
She was the third of four girls. Bessie first met Bill Monroe in 1938, and a few years later went on to become his bass player with the Bluegrass Boys, from 1953–1964.[1] She played in many recording sessions of the band. Her love affair with Bill Monroe began around 1941 and carried on largely while Bill was touring with the Bluegrass Boys. In their years together she was his confidante and lover, and acted as a peacemaker.[2]
Monroe and Mauldin wrote a few songs together, one of which was a gospel song, A Voice From On High, which was performed by Bob Dylan as his opening number in August 2002.[3]
References
- ↑ Adler, Thomas (2004). "Is There A Link Between Bluegrass Musicianship and Sexuality?". In Goldsmith, Thomas. The Blue Grass Reader. Champaign (IL): University of Illinois Press. p. 292. ISBN 9780252029141.
- ↑ Wolfe, Charles K.; Akenson, James E. (2002). "The Bill Monroe Biography Journalism assisting scholarship". Country Music Annual 2002. Lexington (KY): The University Press of Kentucky. pp. 15–25. ISBN 0813109914.
- ↑ Smith, Richard D. (2001). Can't You Hear Me Callin': The Life of Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass. DaCapo Press. ISBN 978-0-306-81054-1.