An Ohio County festival honoring bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe was successful despite a legal battle over using the music icon’s name and likeness. Festival Organizer Campbell Mercer says around 15,000 fans attended the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration last weekend. A court had stopped Mercer from using Monroe’s likeness or name in promotions. Campbell is in a dispute with Ohio County and the county industrial foundation. Both groups lay legal claim to Monroe’s name and image since they bought the rights from Monroe’s sons 13 years ago.
