Instruments Bass Died February 8, 1983 Role Bassist | Name Bessie Mauldin Years active 1953–1964 | |
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Born December 28, 1920Norwood, North Carolina ( 1920-12-28 ) Albums Mr. Blue Grass, I Saw the Light Similar People Bobby Hicks, Gordon Terry, Bill Monroe, Vassar Clements, Bill Keith | ||
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. 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.
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.