The Agony Column, Bluegrass Style

Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin, both of them sounding as though they’re in absolute agony. If you believe the stories from back then – and there’s plenty of corroborating evidence – they both were. As a result, they made some of the greatest bluegrass music ever recorded.

Even then, they outdid themselves in this 1953 performance on the Grand Ole Opry. The tune is “The First Whippoorwill” and this poignant duo will cut you to the quick.