Anastasia,
As a Ralf Stanley/Stanley brothers fan for 25 years, I will offer some
insight as to what initially got me listening to Ralf Stanley.
Although raised in Virginia, I was more of a suburbanite than a country
boy. Most of my contemporaries listen to rock or modern country. I bought
a bluegrass sampler tape after my brother bought a banjo and started
learning mostly Scruggs tunes. One of the songs on the tape was 'Rank
Stranger', and I knew after listening to that one song that that was a
unique sound and went inmmediately out and got some more Stanley brothers
music.
The appeal is that Dr Stanley's music, although similar to other bluegrass
groups, has an immediately recognizeable sound which is both original and
uncompromised. The message of the music is always simple and true,
addressing both the hardships of this present life, and the hopeful
expectations of a brighter home of the soul for the true saints of God. The
sound and message of the music is as refreshing as truth itself, because
it's always the same.
Will it appeal to others outside of southern borders? I think the success
of the 'Oh Brother'soundtrack is evidence that it not only can, but already
has.
r/drifter
-----Original Message-----
From: anastasia masurat [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 12:15 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: BG: Questions for you fans...
Hi there...
I'm working on a paper on Ralph for school, and since I'm not all that
familiar with his music, I thought I'd ask you guys some questions. When I
was looking at his song lyrics, it seemed as though most of his songs are
about memories from his mountain childhood, or memories of home. Do you
think its possible for listeners who are not from the south, or who have
never been to the region, to really appreciate dr. ralph's music? Do you
think the idea of home is important to his music too? Why do you guys
listen to and love this music?
If anyone has any answers to these questions, please respond! You'll really
be helping me out...
Anastasia.
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