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The Essential's of the Bluegrass Trinity
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The Essential Bill Monroe & The Monroe BrothersThe Essential Bill Monroe & The Monroe Brothers by Bill Monroe & the Monroe Brothers
Buy used from: $2.92
This is the very beginning of Bill Monroe. Featuring songs from The Monroe Brothers, and also Bill Monroe in the very early 40's before Stringbean Akeman joined the group.
The Essential Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass BoysThe Essential Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys by Bill Monroe
Buy used from: $14.95
This features the true beginning of bluegrass, and also some before. You can see how the music changed after Monroe switched from Stringbean to Earl Scruggs with this one, a classic in every reguard.
16 Gems16 Gems by Bill Monroe
Buy used from: $2.67
This features the 16 original cuts of the songs that Columbia replaced with alternate takes in the Essential Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys. Also a good collection on its own.
AnthologyAnthology by Bill Monroe
Buy new: $14.97 / Used from: $10.70
This is Monroe from the time just after Flatt & Scruggs left to the end of his career.
Off The Record, Vol. 1: Live Recordings, 1956-1969Off The Record, Vol. 1: Live Recordings, 1956-1969 by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $5.49
Classic live performances from Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys.
Off The Record, Vol. 2: Live Duet Recordings, 1963-1980Off The Record, Vol. 2: Live Duet Recordings, 1963-1980 by Bill Monroe
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $6.63
Bill Monroe and Doc Wastson live during the Folk Revival.
Bean BlossomBean Blossom by Bill Monroe
Buy used from: $14.43
This is what Bluegrass festivals used to be like, wow.
Cryin' Holy Unto the LordCryin' Holy Unto the Lord by Bill Monroe
Buy used from: $4.02
Bill Monroe, in his old age, giving thanks to his creator. This is a classic and essential Gospel record.
The Complete Mercury RecordingsThe Complete Mercury Recordings by Flatt & Scruggs
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $8.79
Flatt & Scruggs right after leaving Monroes group, great music.
The Essential Flatt & Scruggs: 'Tis Sweet to Be RememberedThe Essential Flatt & Scruggs: 'Tis Sweet to Be Remembered by Flatt & Scruggs
Buy new: $15.93 / Used from: $7.65
Flatt & Scruggs from their prime, to the bitter split.
Foggy Mountain BanjoFoggy Mountain Banjo by Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs
Buy used from: $19.73
A Banjo Players Heaven.
At Carnegie Hall!At Carnegie Hall! by Lester Flatt
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $11.57
This is Flatt & Scruggs live during the Folk Revival, this is full of energy.
Father's Table GraceFather's Table Grace
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $20.21
Good collection here of Flatt & Scruggs gospel numbers.
Essential Lester Flatt & The Nashville GrassEssential Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass by Lester Flatt
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $3.93
Lester Flatt after the bitter split, very good music.
The Essential Earl ScruggsThe Essential Earl Scruggs by Earl Scruggs
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $10.98
This covers Earl Scruggs' whole career. The hippie stuff is kinda weird, but it's a great collection.
The Complete Columbia Stanley BrothersThe Complete Columbia Stanley Brothers by The Stanley Brothers
Buy used from: $5.48
Classic Stanley Brothers. Also be sure to get their Rich-R-Tone collection that is not availiable at this website.
The Stanley Brothers and The Clinch Mountain Boys: The Complete Mercury RecordingsThe Stanley Brothers and The Clinch Mountain Boys: The Complete Mercury Recordings by The Stanley Brothers
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $19.23
The Stanley Brothers in their prime, great music here.
1958-1961: Ridin' That Midnight Train1958-1961: Ridin' That Midnight Train by The Stanley Brothers
Buy used from: $6.00
The Stanley's towards the end of their partnership.
The King Years 1961-1965The King Years 1961-1965 by The Stanley Brothers
Buy new: $53.98 / Used from: $20.71
Carter Stanley's final 5 years on earth. Too bad the only access is a lengthy box set. King needs to come out with a single or double disc compilation.
An Evening Long Ago: Live 1956An Evening Long Ago: Live 1956 by The Stanley Brothers
Buy used from: $3.18
The Stanley Brothers live in a radio studio after hours, very stripped down and haunting stuff.
Stanley Brothers - 16 Greatest Gospel HitsStanley Brothers - 16 Greatest Gospel Hits by The Stanley Brothers
Buy used from: $13.90
A great collection of the Stanley Brothers doing gospel.
Bound to RideBound to Ride by Ralph Stanley
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $8.99
Ralph Stanley by himself. This also features a young Ricky Skaggs on the mandolin. Very good cuts.
Man of Constant SorrowMan of Constant Sorrow by Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $9.99
The best single disc coverage of Dr. Ralph Stanley. A must have.
Ralph Stanley in JapanRalph Stanley in Japan by Ralph Stanley
Buy new: $19.98 / Used from: $12.99
Dr. Ralph live in concert. This is also a must have CD.
While the Ages Roll OnWhile the Ages Roll On by Ralph Stanley
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $7.00
And of course, Dr. Ralph still going strong today. This is a beautifully haunting Gospel Record.