Bill Monroe

While photographing Bill backstage at the Granite Hill Bluegrass Jamboree, a lady behind the ropes yelled out "Bill! I want to kiss you!". Hearing this, the witty gentlemen turned to the crowd, found the woman and cupped his hands around her head. Slowly he puckered his lips and moved gently closer. Her eyes were about to bug out when he quickly gave her a peck on the cheek. What a sense of humor.

This shot ran in Rolling Stone when he passed away. If not for the death of rap singer Tu Poc Shakur that same week, Bill Monroe, the father of Bluegrass and Country/Western music, would have been on the cover.

(Nikon F, 180 f/2.8, Tmax-400)

click on the small image to view a larger version in .jpg format.

All images © J. Brian Stephens . . .use only with permission