Gold Rush

A fiddle tune written by Bill Monroe in collaboration with Byron Berline, “Gold Rush” was recorded on August 23, 1967, and released as a single in October 1968. The tune represents one of Monroe’s later instrumental compositions during the 1960s folk revival, when the 55-year-old bluegrass patriarch was attracting increasingly diverse musicians to his band from across the country. Berline, who had gained recognition as the fiddler on the Dillards album “Pickin’ and Fiddlin’” (1965), brought a fresh perspective that bridged traditional and progressive bluegrass styles when he joined Monroe’s band at age 22.

According to Byron Berline’s account, Monroe had the initial musical idea, which Berline helped develop into an old-time fiddle tune, with Berline contributing the distinctive out-chorus section. This collaboration occurred during Berline’s brief but influential tenure with Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys from March to September 1967, before Berline was drafted into the Army. The partnership demonstrates Monroe’s openness to working with younger musicians during the folk revival era, particularly those like Berline who were already making their mark with progressive bluegrass groups like the Dillards.

“Gold Rush” is typically performed in the key of A, though many mandolin players prefer using a capo on the second fret to play in G position for easier fingering. The tune has become a staple of bluegrass jam sessions and has been recorded by numerous artists including Mark O’Connor with Byron Berline, Dan Crary, David Grier, and other prominent acoustic musicians.