A month later, when he finally decided to take Monroe up on the offer, the banjo spot was filled. But Monroe's band did have another vacancy. So he put me doin' that, and I never did quit that. So I sang every part there was. McCoury never saw a need to learn to read music.
Most people just do it by ear.
I guess it's a gift. If I heard three people singing, I knew exactly what part each had I could find it on my own. I must have really been interested in it. That's the one thing you have to take an interest first. It was Monroe, however, who helped him realize his vocal potential.