Bessie Lee Mauldin

Bessie Lee Mauldin (December 28, 1920 – February 8, 1983) was an American bluegrass bassist, singer, songwriter, and a member of the bluegrass band “Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys” from 1953–1964. Bessie Lee was nicknamed "The Carolina Songbird" by Bill Monroe.

Pioneer and trailblazer

Bessie Lee was one of the first professional women bluegrass bass players, a trail blazer, and as such Bessie Lee paved the way for both men and women bluegrass bass players for generations that continues to this very day. As one of the first female bluegrass bass players she more than rose to the occasion as a foundational member in Monroe’s bluegrass band for over a decade. She was one of the Bluegrass Boys from 1953–1964.

Discography Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Mauldin, Bessie Lee," accessed October 20, 2020, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/330318