Bluegrass Sunday With Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys
This week on Bluegrass Sunday we feature a classic from the legendary Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys. Ralph Stanley grew up in rural Big Spraddle, Virginia, where he first learned to sing along with hymns in the Fundamental Baptist church. The church did not believe in music but instead had “calling,” where the leader would call out a verse, and the congregation would repeat it in sing-song voice. You can hear this influence throughout the career of Ralph Stanley as he developed his signature banjo style and harmonies.
The Clinch Mountain Boys — and The Stanley Brothers — were formed in 1946 by Ralph and older brother Carter. They played together until Carter’s death in 1966. After the loss of his brother, Ralph carried on the band as Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys until his own passing in 2016. His dedication to and knowledge of bluegrass earned him an honorary Doctorate in Music from Lincoln Memorial University TN and the title Dr. Ralph Stanley.
With a catalog that spanned six decades, The Clinch Mountain Boys were home to a host of notable members, including Curly Ray Cline and his epic fiddle playing, Jack Cooke on double bass, the deep vocals and rapid-fire guitar of Renfro Proffit, Larry Sparks, Charlie Sizemore, Ricky Skaggs, and the list goes on. However, my personal favorite would have to be Keith Whitley. Let me just say that I am admittedly a bit obsessed with Keith. He is my own standard of bluegrass singing, even when he left to “go country.” The harmonies that Dr. Ralph and Keith created are sheer perfection. I think that it would be fair to say that Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys earned their place in the founder’s circle of bluegrass music. Take a listen and find your own favorites.
Have a happy Sunday, y’all!