Bill "Cousin Wilbur" Wesbrooks

(bass - 7/1940-1944)
Publicity photo circa 1941. Click for full version.

Born: 3/5/1911    Died: 8/13/1984

As a Blue Grass Boy: Bassist and comedian Bill Wesbrooks replaced Amos Garren in 1940 and appeared on all of Bill Monroe's Victor recordings. Born Willie Egbert Wesbrooks, he was better known in later years under his stage name, Cousin Wilbur. After Stringbean joined the band, the two of them performed comedy routines together. He sings lead on the Blue Grass Boys' recording of one of his featured novelty numbers, "The Coupon Song".

Recording Sessions: 10/7/1940, 10/2/1941

Before and After: After leaving the Blue Grass Boys in 1944, Cousin Wilbur continued on the Opry as a solo performer. In 1947 he married Blondie Leatherman and they began performing as the Cousin Wilbur and Blondie Brooks Show.

Further Reading: Wesbrooks' autobiography, Everybody's Cousin, is now out of print but used copies can sometimes be found.