Bill Monroe - The Wayfaring Stranger

I get chills each time I watch this video... This is Bill Monroe, by himself, singing The Wayfaring Stranger.

[@gabrielnemirovsky421]

"Will you honor us tonight and do The Wayfaring Stranger?"..."I'll do my best." Proceeds to absolutely blow it out of the water.

[@lnproductions3227]

Gabriel Nemirovsky true!

[@timhill4045]

Absolutely awesome and powerful.

[@cherryblossom7213]

This is the High Lonesome sound.

[@katmandew2152]

Yes, but bill only alwayse does that every time. Right on........I'm commin up behind ya. Peace friend.

[@writerrad]

there are several other just as thrilling but different version he as done, This song belongs to Monroe

[@amandadean5965]

My daddy died 2 weeks ago. Bill was his idol. We often traveled many miles to bluegrass festivals, even visited Bill's farm when I was small. These songs hurt so much, but I listen to honor him. RIP daddy

[@kirbybro4]

Yes He is resting in peace :)

[@gustavobranco3237]

:( my feelings...

[@kirbybro4]

Gustavo Branco *internet hug* =)

[@gustavobranco3237]

:)

[@amandadean5965]

[@BethnJulia]

Probably the most hauntingly beautiful song I have ever heard.

[@windifitzgerald8252]

The stylings of the Appalachian music can be hauntingly beautiful. Bill gives us a taste of this in this outstanding performance! My father sang appalacian songs and used beautiful stylings developed by our ancestors, the Scots-Irish who settled in appalachia. Than you for this beautiful gift.

[@BethnJulia]

@@windifitzgerald8252 You're welcome.

[@deborahadair1902]

So beautiful. It brought me to tears. I love his voice. He has the voice of the mountain people from the old days.

[@John-lc1uq]

I read that Mr. Monroe as a child listened to the high lonesome sounds of soldiers returning home from WW1. May the souls who influenced Bill Rest In Peace.

[@vic5015]

And may Bill himself Rest in Peace.

[@stevenjc54]

Many people do not understand Bluegrass Music or it's people. To some it may seem to be off key. If you listen close to the music behind the lyrics you can hear and feel the soul they bring together. Bluegrass is pure Americana in it's truest form.

[@jjportala]

Bluegrass will tear your heart out and stomp on it. Bluegrass can be the most beautiful thing you ever or saddest.

[@jeffreymartin3790]

truth! this is the real country music!

[@rjmoney9]

It definitely has a lot of soul, but some of it was super off-key, especially at the beginning.

[@TonyWud]

"Bluegrass is out for blood." Bob Dylan

[@anitajessie8809]

@@rjmoney9 I don't think that Bluegrass has a key, it's more of a feeling you grab and hang on to, that is part of your soul.

[@athosdelafere2896]

The very definition of that high lonesome sound. Haunting.

[@annettenew1531]

Some of you just don't get it. His voice is chilling, haunting and gives me chill bumps. When you can make a person feel what your singing that's great music! Love this!

[@sherrypotoczny8273]

He sings it better than I’ve ever heard before.

[@stefanheinzemann5879]

​@@sherrypotoczny8273das sehe ich genauso,sehr authentisch besser geht es nicht!!schöne grüße aus Deutschland von der brüder grimm Stadt kassel

[@tombolt6789]

It sounds more like the original roots of the Scotch/Irish Appalachian sound.

[@theMatch111]

and some of us do

[@chadcunningham3463]

This is what they call the high lonesome sound from the Blue ridge mountains of North Carolina very folk and very authentic Bill Monroe was referred to as the godfather of bluegrass music.. God bless this man

[@inowillie]

I met Bill in California many years ago. He sang this song solo and with only a little of his mandolin. He got into it so much I thought he would cry. This is "soul" music anyone can relate to. His version fits into the mountains I live in here in the hills of Appalachia. His "high lonesome" rendition touches me deeply. I know it touched him. It's not perfect, but it's real. Acapella fits this song well, too.

[@rodsreel]

Sounds like the mountains are singing and the rivers flowing through the valleys. Music from the heart of the mountains. Cheers fae the Highlands O Scotland.

[@MirandaMb]

rodsreel your comment gave me chills.

[@danewikinger6256]

....my last name is Forbes. Myself and my son are the everlasting echo of the Ulster-Scots who came to the mountains of East Tennessee looking for a better life two centuries ago. This should be our ballad.

[@ChristineJonah88]

I want to hear sung from Irish or Scottish

[@timhill4045]

@@ChristineJonah88 please do some research into the origins of this hymn and the hell the Scots-Irish immigrants went through before settling in the hills/mountains of the Appalachians, specifically blue-grass Civil War era.

[@timhill4045]

@@danewikinger6256 pretty sure it is. Did they immigrate and immediately fight in the Civil War? Than this hymn was written by them.

[@beckibeans]

I met this man when I was younger at a festival. He signed my balloon. I still have it. He is forever missed. And forever cherished.

[@aidennewell4034]

Hello Becky, How are you doing?

[@shawnkennedy4907]

Hello becki, how are you doing?

[@alfiejones374]

I am surprised that the balloon didn’t perish as the helium molecules slowly escaped through the fibre of their latex prison rendering monroe’s signature hieroglyphics scrawled across a shrivelled unrecognisable memento

[@jpk2145]

His voice reminds me of an old train whistle. It makes me get chills every time

[@CharlieRafferty]

It don't get any more real than this.

[@derrickprowx]

"I'll do my best." Now that is true humility. His worst is something few will ever achieve. And his best is absolutely bone-chillingly amazing. Much respect to this legend. There's just something so down to earth about him. Yet so awe-inspiring.

[@janesmith5436]

Lord that gives you cold chills! Haunting.

[@BlindMellowJellyInc]

So sad how no one mentions Arnold Shultz who played with Uncle Pen and later taught Bill Monroe. More whitewashing black men out of American History. If you get tired of hearing this, perhaps stopping the lies to continue.

[@ustainetalley1188]

I hear the deep holler of grief and aloneness in this cry for peace.

[@admerin6961]

Amen

[@airkooled74]

This man is a conduit to another word..

[@mahadeva6708]

bill monroe is a giant of bluegrass music. he can sing it whatever way he wants. his singing is unpretentious and soulful

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

I've literally sat at his feet, and Ralph Stanley's, at the Berryville (VA) Bluegrass Festival, a very small place called Watermelon Park. And I will happily carry those experiences to my grave in a few short years. Berryville is across the Potomac River from Harper's Ferry, WV. Bless all.

[@carolina7938]

Father of bluegrass

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

@@carolina7938 Bill and Dr. Ralph Stanley are singing together in Heaven; can you imagine?

[@jimmccarley9609]

Amen!

[@chrismooremusic4383]

Between his face his eyes that high lonesome voice and the haunting sounds of that old mandolin being played slowly this performance gives me chills truly the work of a legend God rest his soul there will NEVER be another Bill Monroe

[@42groundhogs]

Mr. Monroe always described Bluegrass music as a high lonesome sound. Music doesn't get much more lonesome than a solo of this song. Merry Christmas, everyone. This is what the day is really about. Behold, born unto you is a savior so that one day you may be lonesome no more. I don't care what you believe, but it's a beautiful message. The desire to know and love one's creator and each other should not be attacked or burdened with battles over differences in theology. It should neither be used as an excuse to attack others. Love and peace are the point. No matter what you believe or if peace is always possible, these are wonderful things for which to hope.

[@marisadaniela6]

This is so beautifully written. May God bless you

[@sherwonfrederick7458]

Christopher Stith I really like Bill Monroe’s music.

[@randyboring6077]

I’ve played this song for many years, when I do I feel Christ welcoming me in the door....

[@mdog2435]

As haunting as a lonely wolf singing its last howl. Beautiful.

[@PsychosisFire]

American Soul. Now this is what I call real American music, not that soulless crap promoted by corporations that's so popular nowadays. Respect from England.

[@kylecockerham1351]

+PsychosisFire This music came from Northern England, Scotland and Ireland. It is as close as it gets. The peoples of Appalachia and the South, the poor whites, have been isolated to some degree up until the last generation or two, so the sound will please our cousins from the Isles.

[@mons3020]

Are we just going to ignore the African origins now?

[@karioti]

No African origins in original mountain music from Appalachia. The settlers of those mountains were overwhelmingly from Ireland and Scotland and the influences in their music and accompanying dances were and are blatantly evident. This is historical fact.

[@eugeneconard6126]

LMAO seriously?! Yeah I guess we are.

[@mons3020]

Karioti's mostly right. If you go far back enough, the music is very English/Irish in Appalachian music, however, the banjo's origins are from West Africa. Before Lester Flatts, Earl Scruggs, and Arnold Schultz popularized the common 3 finger style of banjo playing in bluegrass, banjo playing was done via claw hammer style, which (with its syncopated rhythms) originates from West Africa via slaves in America. Take the Akonting for example, an instrument akin to the banjo both in playin style and shape. This became part of popular music in the South and Appalachia via menstrel shoes. This is also historical fact. Back to what Karioti said though, there are several Appalachian folk songs that were originally folk songs from Ireland, England, and Scotland, with the Irish predominantly being the bigger influence of the 3.

[@stwilegar]

Incredible that he could stun an audience at his age. An absolute irreplaceable icon in America's history.

[@MrMusicguyma]

Nice job by a fragile-voiced Bill. "Ancient Tones", indeed. One of the classic American songs of any type. I used to sing this, in a bar band, remembering those loved ones I had lost, sometimes fiinishing with tears in my eyes.

[@JimParkerIII]

I was privileged to be standing only a few feet from Mr. Monroe when performed this song in this manner at the original Station Inn.

[@elias_367]

My great grandpa and bill were really good friends

[@ryand.5857]

Wow, nice. As a native Nashvillian, that is truly impressive.

[@elias_367]

@@ryand.5857 thank you

[@stuartlooney7904]

.

[@ejaitajoshua8794]

Hey there I’m Charles and I’m from Jennings, Louisiana USA 🇺🇸

[@Secular.Hedonist]

Soulful, sincere expression of devotion to long-held beliefs by a man who feels he is reaching the destination he's so longed for throughout his journey; there is pain, and relief all at once, a catharsis. It's raw. It's primal. It's music, Americana, a man telling this story, not in words but within the resonance of his quavering voice and the plucking of the strings of his old mandolin from which emanate rich, understated tones that take a lifetime to master. Bill Monroe playing the soundtrack to rural America: simply beautiful.

[@Targetteer1]

A special treat to see and hear Mr. Monroe alone with just his mando ,no banging/clanging banjo,no screaching fiddle just pure unadulterated reserved emotional music.

[@RUNNOFT71]

This is what music is about folks.

[@darrinl8924]

what they don't know is the man in the video has been singing and playing music since before most of them who are complaining were even born into this world . Besides he was doing what is commanded of him " Make a joyful noise unto the Lord . "

[@A2quart10]

:-) yep :-)

[@darrinl8924]

+Sean Rumney I couldn't agree more. If you look back in history the majority of music out there come from this very beginning. I was raised listening to this music and even learned to play guitar mandolin and bass because of it .

[@bobearly2303]

AMEN

[@ngamgoimei5226]

Sean Rumney you don't have to go to church to go to heaven. The more important thing is to believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for you and he rise again. That you will forever live with Him in heaven someday.

[@juarez6161]

true. No Bill Monroe? then no Elvis. Also no Everly Brothers, so then no Beatles, then no anything. Everything comes from him combining African roots blues and European folk tradition

[@ricksunderland1421]

Thrilled to have Nashville back!

[@jeffbaker58]

How in the world could anyone dislike this presentation? Bill Monroe championed the bluegrass genre of American music.

[@gynack]

Jeffery Baker Are you serious? He sings flat a lot, and some people probably don't like thon high-pitched voice anyway, and would prefer more of a baritone sound like Doc Watson or, more modern, Trace Adkins. And there are also great female versions - Eva Cassidy, EmmyLou Harris, Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, Dolly Parton. All of these are better than this poor version by Bill Monroe

[@allisonbrisbois1099]

I found my way here from the version by Jack White. And I must say, I love this version. I love his voice. Chills indeed.

[@roofer42083]

Allison Brisbois that's how I found my way to this video I love bluegrass music my stepdad's family knew Ralph Stanley I use to live in Breathitt Co. Ky and this sounds like home

[@lamaraleachman5910]

2024 I have loved this song 4 years . This stripped down version is so beautiful & pure. I just heard it. Grateful

[@dali9803]

Man, what a voice even at this age.

[@Tthorpe456]

When you listen to Mr. Monroe on this cut you clearly hear a man telling us he's going "home" very soon. He sends shivers down me and touches my soul. As a mandolin player, I've returned to really listen to Bill. He makes it talk and say what's deep inside him. I am humbled and still learning...

[@cjnestor2414]

love Bill Monroe!!! Such a eerie version of an already eerie song.

[@carriknorr7426]

Back when music "WAS MUSIC"!

[@jotacalvo]

I've decided to go backwards in life. I use to (10 yrs ago) look forward to new stuff coming out. Now with the music industry the way it is today, I started digging. And I find stuff like this. And I realize that the BEST music has already been done. It's fresh, eerie, moving, and as appropriate as ever. There's a whole world out there that I have not tapped into. Thanks to real artists like Monroe, Cash, Dylan, Guthrie, Rev Gary Davis etc I can live my days knowing i'll never run out...

[@sherryelston2649]

wow..goosebumps. from a southern girl who grew up on this stuff, it gets me everytime

[@williammclaughlin2946]

😍😍

[@garycallihan4206]

i have tears in my eyes....that's all

[@ginacullen253]

I was raised listening to Bill. My mom grew up with Bill on the radio. I was the one who told my mom when he passed on. it was one of the saddest days. He was a true Gentleman.

[@admerin6961]

Songs don't get much more perfect than this. It is a comforting song when he sings it. Touched by heaven is the truth.

[@nygrrl99]

This song and this performance is so much more than music; it's a stirring of the soul. What a talented human being. 💙

[@poppabakes]

I love the dynamics of his playing here. Raw and pure and high and lonesome. The look in his eyes says it all

[@MandoMojo77]

Man, at 2:47 Bill's voice is just haunting! I love this!

[@jpk2145]

It reminds me of a old train whistle. Gives me chills every time

[@YT-BenG]

This is pure applachia folk sanging! I hope God has him singing in heavens band

[@thomasbeaty2362]

old classic country is the best. i grew up listening to all them.

[@bstimy]

This is a treasure.

[@writerrad]

One of the greatest most soulful performances of ANY KIND I have witnessed in a life dedicated to music.

[@mikegross6107]

All I can say to that version is WOW! I Want that recording played at my funeral. Bill Monroe was one of a kind and there are NO MORE like him or ever will be!

[@juliestengel108]

Beautiful, talented and awesome Bluegrass. Gives me the chills.

[@timothylewis2450]

Legend. Spine-tinglingly chilling, sparse and beautiful. The high lonesome from the father of Bluegrass.

[@andrewphillips2439]

my favorite version of my favorite gospel song

[@jilixii]

you can see all the beauty in his soul - he's so vulnerable and real when he sings this.

[@moonroach4839]

I came here cause I’ve heard many of my favorite folk and country acts mention Mr Monroe as the greatest bluegrass artist there is, and I can dig it myself

[@warehambr]

I became a Bill Monroe fan at my first bluegrass festival in 1971 when he sang this song.

[@pookandpooch]

i'm about 62....grew up with this music and this man. what an honor it is to be part of a culture that produces such perfection.

[@TheDeadKennedys]

Touches my soul every time...

[@windifitzgerald8252]

OMG, what a beautiful performance, Authentic Appalachian music.

[@rosamundackenthorpe8899]

The sweetest voice I ever heard. This always makes me cry. Every time I hear this I think of you Pawpaw .This man was my Great Grandfathers idol. Rip Bill Rip Papaw. I'lll never forget either of you.

[@RattlerMan33]

Beautiful. The best I've ever heard it sang. No one could ever come close.

[@miked2802]

I grew up with a dad who played bluegrass on his Martin guitar. My childhood is filled with summertime memories of weekend music gatherings at our house, we would have 5 or 6 musicians and their families over for bbq, bluegrass, hand cranked homemade ice cream, and homemade wine. I accompanied my dad to bluegrass festivals all over Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. I had the privilege of witnessing some of the all time greatest blue grass guys ever. Bill Monroe, Bobby and Sonny Osborne, Jimmy Martin and Ralph Stanley just to name a few. When I hear good bluegrass, it takes me back to those childhood memories-it was good times when life was much simpler.

[@mosinnagant412]

He sings and the transcript shows "music." A voice that is pure music.

[@MerriBrownwing]

Most excellent rendition! I do get chills to hear Bills incredible voice and sweet mandolin. Thank you vintage18lover, you started my day with hope and love.

[@froggiechar]

Bill Monroe, is such an iconic Legend, and I thank you for sharing this wonderful video of him and his performing! God bless, Brother Charlie

[@ericgoodrich593]

Hauntingly beautiful

[@curtisshaw8046]

The more primitive the more authentic. Love this an every imperfection. Just beautiful

[@17nhvrailroader]

Been a Bluegrass fan all my life. My papa introduced me to bluegrass gospel at a young age and I've loved it ever since. I've always heard the name Bill Monroe but never really listened to much of his music - this is the first song I've heard from him.

[@evelynutterback5342]

True historic Blue Grass music! This type of music has been kept alive by great artists! Thank You!

[@Giraut]

One of the best examples of real music here in youtube. From the bottom of his heart right to the bottom of our hearts. Great. Stunning.

[@stefanheinzemann5879]

Ich höre und sehe dieses Video der Version von bill bestimmt schon das dreissigste mal und finde es immer wieder authentisch und die beste Version überhaupt......❤❤❤

[@isjerryzkid]

William Smith Monroe.man tears me up eva time i see or hear him. I so LOVE & Miss HIM!!!! THE MASTER ~ THE FATHER~ THE MAESTRO OF BLUEGRASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@reneejames3325]

My grandparents taught us to do our best cause it comes from your heart! I'm so very grateful to have been raised with values and morals and help those in need and do it with a grateful heart. Always do your best! Rip James Delk my dad, my mentor, the best singer and picker, Fentress County TN

[@mcssmcsd]

Mr. Monroe created one of the only truly unique forms of music in American history. It is rather obvious that this fact is deserving of respect. While I truly dislike certain forms of music, I would not go so far as to publicly berate them, or make public spectacle of my own ignorance like the individual in question here. Talent is talent and it is worthy of appreciation regardless of the platform.

[@livinlifefree]

I'm 23, and I grew up on this, Cash, Emmylou, Tanya, Tammy Wynette, Red Sovine, Minnie Pearl.... Luckily, not all of us are denied the pleasure of such amazing talent.

[@shredrik]

Happy 100th Bill thank you for the joy you have brought to this world

[@stevespyder]

Goosebumps...

[@abysmios]

My favorite version of this tune

[@FalconSupreme]

Bill is really touching my soul with this. Man this is deep and moving. Love this legend. Our father of Bluegrass.

[@moonbeam0439]

this is just how i remember this song, perfect.

[@Burns748]

That brought a tear to my eye.

[@eviljeep]

One of the most touching performance

[@jrMonroe74]

Sad to think we can't make beautiful music like this,a time when we still had our roots to God and our nation was still free!!R.I.P. w/ our Heavnly Father Bill!!

[@roberthodge4712]

Hauntingly beautiful.of all the country music genres bluegrass is the best no gimmicks just a voice and an instrument.be it spoons .a moonshine jug a mandolin a box drum a fiddle etc or just the voice on its own

[@MrJohnboyBurns]

Grasious!

[@TheMrCompletely]

There are many magnificent versions of this song. This is perhaps the most powerful I have yet witnessed.

[@steeldoc36]

gives me the chills everytime...beautifully haunting. Praise God for Bill Monroe.

[@Phase42]

Bill Monroe ... a legend. Doing one of the best songs ever. Awesome!

[@cameronagordon]

this brings me to the creek bottoms of central florida and i will shed one tear.

[@moonbeam0439]

By far the best version I have ever heard! Thank you for posting this.

[@Southernblueeyes78]

Made me cry. The words, the man, the instrument, pure as it gets...

[@diamondblue5327]

Hauntingly beautiful.

[@kinggollum07]

Man this gives me chills and I just feel God in every word!

[@jasonlaverty76]

MY TOES CURLED........Blown away.

[@magicdave93]

I’m from England and just learning the mandolin and I know I will never be able to play bluegrass with the feeling these guys do as it comes from the soul, It’s pure American music and always will be. God bless you Bill!

[@deidremoon2690]

So much of our Bluegrass/Appalachian mountain music comes from Scotch, Irish. It's deep in many bloods

[@EricaNernie]

OMG! This song speaks to all people in all cultures and all religions. Incredible.

[@mpvids]

Wow excellent performance by the great Bill Monroe!

[@GODSREAL]

Best version ever

[@mittendipper1980]

Such a great song, gives me chills everytime.

[@bkcope3906]

Will always love him and this song, forever

[@selinafoshee1974]

There will never be another like him

[@pablo6305]

Bill Monroe is the shit. My grandfather loved him and I got a mandoline and this song makes me proud of who I am. Thanks the king of grass. Whose that dark haired fella with the hundred mile a hour mullet.