Dr Ralph Stanley, 87, abides, but nobody lives forever. When we loose Ralph Stanley I believe we loose our last link to an entire era in country music. Gone are Earl Scruggs, George Jones, Charlie Louvin, Pete Seeger, and Im already saddened by the thought of loosing Dr Ralph Stanley.
All this to say, Dr Ralph Stanley is on his final tour, check the dates here – as for me Ill be heading over to the Huck Finn Jubilee in Ontario, Ca June 13-15 and watch the living legend in his last California appearance!
From the good Dr’s site:
For over 6 decades he has become one of the most influential artists of all time. Born in 1927 in Big Spraddle VA, Ralph Stanley was the second child of Lucy Jane and Lee Stanley. In 1946 along with his older brother Carter Stanley they formed the legendary Stanley Brothers duo. The Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys became one of the most popular brother acts in Country Music history. The Stanley Brothers traveled together for 20 years recording some of the most mournful mountain songs to date.
Their catalog of songs includes “Angel Band”, “Rank Strangers”, “Little Maggie” and the famed “Man of Constant Sorrow”. Tragedy struck the Stanley Brothers on December 1st 1966 with the untimely passing of 41 year old Carter Stanley. Ralph was disheartened and discouraged with his brother’s death but by faith in God and support of his family, friends and fans Ralph Stanley pressed on.
Some of Country and Bluegrass music’s biggest stars came from Ralph Stanley’s band, including Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks and the late Keith Whitley. In 1976 Ralph received an honorary doctorate of music from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN. In 1984 Dr. Ralph Stanley was the Recipient of the “National Heritage Award” given by President Ronald Reagan. In 1992 Ralph was inducted into the” International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor”. In 2000 he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
In 2002 Ralph Stanley received his first ever Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance of the haunting rendition of “Oh Death” that was featured in the movie and soundtrack of “O Brother Where Art Thou”. In 2006 He received the Living Legend award from the Library of Congress and National medal of arts given by President George W. Bush.
Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys are still touring a 100 plus dates per year, and enjoying his time at home with his lovely wife “Jimmi” of nearly 50 years. Dr. Ralph Stanley is not only an American treasure but and international Icon.
Born February 25, 1927 in Dickenson County, Virginia; lives in Coeburn, Virginia
