Bluegrass indeed began with that famous prototypical band Monroe was fortunate enough to have assembled in 1945. And although Lester's singing was wonderful, I think it was Chuby Wise's fiddle that, together with Earl's banjo and Monroe's mandolin, really solidified the instrumental approach to the new music. People forget how innovative Wise's playing was for the day.

But as for old-timey music, isn't it really more specific than just a catch-all term for country music of a certain period? For example, the period 1922-1945 includes The Original Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and others who wouldn't be regarded as old-timey.

      - Mark