Ralph Stanley the Bluegrass Legend’S Latest Album Is a Family Affair

ISSUE #34 MMUSICMAG.COM INDIEINDIE SCENE SCENE uire G c M Jim RALPH STANLEY The bluegrass legend’s latest album is a family affair RALPH STANLEY COMES RIGHT TO of the honorary doctorate of music he was playing on only one track. “I don’t play the the point when asked about his legacy. awarded by Lincoln Memorial University banjo much anymore,” he admits, “just a “I’m proud of it,” he says of his iconic near in 1976—seems most pleased with his little bit of clawhammer sometimes. I have seven-decade career. “I’m really thankful induction into the Grand Ole Opry in arthritis, and my fingers aren’t exactly what the good Lord has kept me around and 2000. “I’m thankful that I’ve done well,” they were a few years back. I figured I’d shown me what to do and all. I’m real he says. “But I’m real proud of that. That quit, because I didn’t want to mess up. proud of that.” was something I always wanted for several There are plenty who play just like me, so Renowned for his distinctive vocals years because that’s a very big thing. When I can always get someone to play those and banjo technique, Stanley, 87, formed you get there, you’ve reached the top.” parts. There’s always someone wanting to his first band, the Clinch Mountain Boys, Over the decades, Stanley has also record with me.” in 1946, while also performing with his been responsible for fostering new talent, So will Stanley head into the studio brother Carter as the Stanley Brothers. including future stars Ricky Skaggs and again? “I haven’t thought much about it,” he Stanley is recognized as a master of Keith Whitley. “They started with me when says. “I’ve been doing this for 67 years, and the clawhammer banjo style—a three- they were 15 or 16,” he says. “I certainly I’m still going good. But I couldn’t tell you finger technique distinguished by a rapid saw their talent immediately. Keith stayed at this point one way or another. If things fire “forward roll” that’s played close with me six or seven years and Ricky stayed come around the right way, and I feel like I to the banjo’s bridge. maybe two or three years—but he was with can do it justice, then it could happen. But Stanley’s contributions to American me a couple of different times.” like I said, I might not. You never know what music were officially recognized in 2006 The bluegrass veteran’s latest might come around.” when he was awarded the National Medal collaboration is with an artist closer to For now, Stanley is happy performing of the Arts. A member of the International home—son Ralph Stanley II, who has live at a snappy pace. “As long as I’m able, Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and a performed on his father’s albums since he I’m glad to do it,” he maintains. “I still play Library of Congress Living Legend, he won was a teen. Their new album, Side by Side, with the Clinch Mountain Boys—we go out the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal finds the two co-billed for the first time. “He and work a week or two and then come Performance in 2002 for his performance just thought of it,” Stanley says. “I don’t home for five or six days. That makes a of “O Death” from the O Brother, Where know why he hadn’t thought of it before. I pretty good life, to be able to express Art Thou? soundtrack, which has sold more was proud to help him out. I didn’t do it for yourself like that. I’m well pleased with it. than 8 million copies. me, I did it for him.” I don’t think my voice has faded any, and Despite the accolades, the plainspoken The new album finds the legend's that’s something I’m real thankful for.” Mr. Stanley—make that Dr. Stanley, courtesy mournful vocals in fine form, although he's –Lee Zimmerman 72 M mag 34.indd 72 4/24/14 4:22 PM.

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