Blue Moon of Kentucky is a bluegrass waltz written by Bill Monroe in 1945 and first performed with his Blue Grass Boys. Monroe recorded it on September 16, 1946 for Columbia, and it was released as a single in September 1947; it has since appeared on many compilation albums rather than a specific studio album. The song, often described as a bluegrass waltz, became a nationwide hit and helped popularize bluegrass; its origins are linked to Jimmie Rodgers' Roll Along, Kentucky Moon. It is Kentucky's official bluegrass song. Elvis Presley adapted it in 1954, turning it into a 4/4 bluesy rocker on Sun Records; Monroe later adjusted the arrangement to blend elements of both styles. The track has been recorded by many artists, was inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2002, and ranked 11th in CMT's 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music in 2003.
