Date of Birth: February 25, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: June 23, 2016
Biography
Ralph Stanley was an influential American bluegrass artist and banjo player known for his distinctive singing style and his contributions to the genre of bluegrass music. Born in the rural community of McClure, Virginia, Ralph and his older brother Carter formed the Clinch Mountain Boys in 1946, which became one of the most significant bluegrass bands. After Carter’s death in 1966, Ralph continued to perform and record, gaining recognition for his unique “Stanley style” of banjo playing and his high, mournful tenor voice. He played a significant role in popularizing bluegrass music and was known for his renditions of traditional Appalachian songs as well as his own compositions. Over his career, Ralph Stanley received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for his work on the soundtrack of the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” He was also inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
5 Interesting Facts about Ralph Stanley
1. Ralph Stanley was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.
2. He was featured on the soundtrack of the Coen Brothers’ film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” which brought bluegrass music to a new generation of listeners.
3. Ralph Stanley received the National Medal of Arts in 2006, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government.
4. His unique “Stanley style” banjo playing is characterized by a distinctive, clawhammer-like technique.
5. Ralph Stanley’s autobiography, “Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times,” offers an in-depth look at his life and career.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ralph Stanley
1. “The music I’ve played and loved all my life is the old traditional sound, and that’s what I intend to keep on playing.”
2. “When I started out, I knew nothing about music. I just knew I loved it.”
3. “I’ve always said that the banjo is the heartbeat of bluegrass music.”
4. “I want people to remember me as a good ol’ boy who loved to play music and loved to sing gospel songs.”
5. “You have to make the music your own. That’s what makes it real.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ralph Stanley’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Ralph Stanley had three children: two sons, Ralph Stanley II and Timothy, and one daughter, Lisa Joy.
Relevant Links
1. [Ralph Stanley on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Stanley
2. [Ralph Stanley’s Official Website](http://www.drralphstanley.com/
4. [Grammy Awards for Ralph Stanley](https://www.grammy.com/artists/ralph-stanley/15178
