Ralph Stanley made the sound of bluegrass a special, unique sound of its own. A great deal of his music was lively, but his voice denoted a sadder note, and the words of his songs were about mountain life and the struggles that the people at that time were experiencing.
Ralph Stanley was born in a town in Virginia called McClure, located in Dickenson County. His mother had a talent for playing the banjo, of which she passed on to her son, Ralph. At the age of 15, she purchased him a banjo, and began teaching him how to play. He did well with her teaching, but soon created a sound and style of his own.
Stanley graduated from high school in May of 1945, and was immediately drafted into the army, and served about a year. Upon his arrival home, he began his music career. His brother, Carter was singing with a group at the time, and he joined him for a song on the radio, which gave him a big send off. This resulted in the formation of the Clinch Mountain Boys.
The harmony that wes made by the Clinch Mountain Boys was soon a favorite sound for all bluegrass fans. They began writing their own songs and Columbia Records signed them on. Later on, they joined King Records and produced a style of music that swept the country, making them one of the most popular bluegrass groups of that time.
However, death came to Carter Stanley in 1966, but Ralph and his Clinch Mountain Boys continued to be a big part of the bluegrass scene. Ralph Stanley still performs today at the age of 82, and makes his home in the peaceful mountains where he was born. He and his Clinch Mountain Boys will always be remembered for their talents and accomplishments in bluegrass music.
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