This is the highlight of my career. --Bob Dylan

       The fact that Bob Dylan, whose career has been marked by "highlights" that most artists can only dream of attaining, feels this way about singing with Ralph Stanley gives you an idea of the importance and the influence that Stanley holds in the world of music. From his humble musical beginning in 1946, as one-half of the now legendary Stanley Brothers, through his latest project, Clinch Mountain Country, Stanley has influenced countless artists in their musical direction.

       In fact, no less than thirty-four top artists from several styles of music join Ralph on Clinch Mountain Country, each "tipping their hat" in recognition of the role he played in their own musical development, and each joyfully returning to their roots for this once-in-a-lifetime project. Fellow performers, however, are not the only ones to recognize his music and its impact.

       With over 150 albums to his credit, spanning 50+ years, Ralph Stanley has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades during his career. Some of the more memorable include: The National Endowment for the Humanities Traditional American Music Award, presented in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan; Honorary Doctorate of Music from Lincoln Memorial University; five Grammy nominations in the last five years; International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Honor inductee; and performing for two Presidential inaugurations (Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton).

       Born February 25, 1927 in the Clinch Mountains of Dickenson County, Virginia, Ralph learned to play the banjo from his mother, Lucy. It was her inspiration, coupled with Ralph's natural ability, which led Ralph and his older guitar-playing brother Carter to form the Stanley Brothers in 1946.

       The Stanley Brothers began their career on local radio stations in and around Bristol, Virginia, and were soon in demand for appearances throughout the area. The first 'big break' for the brothers came when they took a job at the powerful station WCYB in Bristol, Virginia, where they became instant stars. They worked there for 12 years, remaining popular through most of the 50s, until a prolonged slack period, brought on in part by the advent of Elvis and rock-and-roll, led to some lean years for the duo. But with the arrival of the 1960s and the Folk Music 'craze,' the Stanley Brothers began to make a comeback, playing to sold-out shows on the college campus circuit. Just when all appeared rosy again, however, tragedy struck with the death of Carter Stanley in 1966. His brother's death from cancer was a severe blow to the quiet, self-effacing Ralph Stanley.

       "I thought about quitting, certainly," recalls Ralph. "I didn't want to go on, but I got so much support letters and phone calls from friends and musicians I didn't even know that I came to feel I couldn't give it up." Ralph decided to continue on without his brother, and since 1966 he has carried on the tradition of the Stanley Brothers, keeping the same sound, feeling and spirit of their timeless art alive. The rich heritage of the ballads, the religious music of the "hill people" and the fiddle and banjo "square dance" licks are all present today, just as it was over 50 years ago.

       Not only has Ralph been an influence to those who have heard his music, he has also "mentored" several artists while they were members of his band, the Clinch Mountain Boys. Its past roster has included such notable performers as Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks, Charlie Sizemore and the late Keith Whitley, to name a few. Skaggs, who often cites Stanley's influence on his career, rejoins Ralph on two songs on Clinch Mountain Country.

       It is difficult, at best, to describe the influence that Ralph Stanley has had on the world of music. It is even more difficult, perhaps, to condense into a few sentences what it is that makes his voice and music so special and unique. Country music star Junior Brown's description, however, comes as close as anyone could hope. "His voice has a lot of character, a lot of personality," observes Junior. "It's what country music, bluegrass music, whatever you want to call it, is supposed to be about. Not about hot licks, not about fancy songs and this and that. It is about that feeling you can hear when Ralph sings. When I hear Ralph's boys and his banjo, it reminds me of what music is supposed to be all about."

Awards

• International Bluegrass Music Association Album of the Year 1999
• International Bluegrass Music Association Recorded Event of the Year 1999
• International Bluegrass Music Association Recorded Event of the Year 1993

On Tour