This week (and month) in the past

Fifty-six years ago: on 15 October 1950 Bill Monroe recorded 'Uncle Pen', and on 20 October 1950 Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs recorded 'Salty Dog blues' and 'Roll in my sweet baby's arms'. Anyone picking instruments or playing records this week might consider going over those three classics.

Fifty-five years ago next week: on 24 October 1951 Flatt & Scruggs recorded 'Earl's breakdown'.

Sixty-six years and ten days ago: on 7 October 1940 Bill Monroe recorded 'Mule skinner blues'.

All these dates, and very many more, can be found on the Bluegrass Calendar published annually by the Copper Creek record company. It's getting near time to place orders for the 2007 issue.