Dr. Ralph Edmond Stanley, Senior was born to Lucy and Lee Stanley in Big Spraddle Creek, Virginia, near Stratton, in Dickenson County, Virginia on February 25, 1927. Ralph grew up in Southwestern Virginia. He is married to Jimmi, and they have 3 children, Lisa Tonya, and Ralph Stanley, II. Recently, Ralph opened a museum in Clintwood, Virginia. He ...
Synonymous with Appalachian music, Stanley experienced a resurgence with his contributions to the 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' soundtrack.
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He was born into a large family - his older brother Carter, plus seven older step-siblings. Both parents had been previously widowed. His mother bought him his first banjo for five dollars.
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Carter played guitar, and the two brothers performed at school and community gatherings, inspired by musicians they heard on the radio. In 1946, they formed the Clinch Mountain Boys, named after a mountain ridge in the region. They played on radio stations in southwestern Virginia. They were soon popular with audiences and began making records.
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Coeburn, Virginia [September 2006]
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In early January 2007 Stanley was hospitalized with pneumonia. By mid-January he was back out on tour.
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In 2001 won the Grammy for "Best Male Country Vocal Performance" for his a capella rendition of the traditional song "O Death", from the soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000).
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In 1985 received the United States National Endowment for the Humanities' "Traditional American Music Award". He was the first to receive this award.
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Named a "Living Legend" by the United States Library of Congress in April 2000.
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Received an honorary doctorate in music from Lincoln Memorial University in 1976.
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With brother Carter Stanley (d. 1966) formed the much-heralded bluegrass band The Stanley Brothers.
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Inducted into the Grand Old Opry in January 2000.
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He was awarded the 2006 American National Medal of the Arts by the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington D.C. for his services to music.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Big Stone Gap
2014
performer: "Rocky Island"
The Marty Stuart Show
TV Series writer - 4 episodes, 2010 - 2013 performer - 1 episode, 2010
Lawless
2012
"Fire in the Blood", "Fire and Brimstone", "Sure 'Nuff 'N Yes I Do" / performer: "White Light/White Heat"
Independent Lens
2011
TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode
Late Show with David Letterman
2009
TV Series performer - 1 episode
The Queens of Country
2009
Video arranger: "Oh, Come, Angel Band"
Big Love
2007
TV Series writer - 2 episodes
Transamerica
2005
performer: "Lost in the Lonesome Pines"
Cold Mountain
2003
arranger: "Great High Mountain"
Down from the Mountain
2000
Documentary "Clinch Mountain Backstep" / performer: "Angel Band", "O Death"
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
2000
arranger: "Angel Band" / performer: "O Death"
Chasers
1994
performer: "TRAIN 45"
Crossroads
1986
writer: "IF I LOSE"
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
My Fool Heart
2011
post-production
Grandpa
The Right Man
1960
TV Movie
The Jackie Gleason Show
1955
TV Series
Guy who taps Ralph on shoulder
Inner Sanctum
1954
TV Series
Police Lieutenant
Janet Dean, Registered Nurse
1954
TV Series
Sergeant
The Big Story
1952
TV Series
Joe Saldana / Zarko Franks
Treasury Men in Action
1952
TV Series
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
Hell on Wheels
2011
TV Series musician - 1 episode
Zwei rote Rosen
1928
english lyrics
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Porchlight Sessions
2016
Documentary
Late Show with David Letterman
2001-2015
TV Series
Himself - Musical Guest / Himself
Re:Generation
2011
Documentary
Himself
The Marty Stuart Show
2010
TV Series
Himself - Special Guest
Keeper of the Folkways: John Rice Irwin and the Museum of Appalachia
$850,000
