I would say the main reason is the simplicity and truth of the words in the songs. How else can so many people relate to the music of Carter and Ralph Stanley.
I love the music because it take me back to being a little boy and listen to my grandfather who had that same lonesome high voice as Ralph. But back to the The flatpickin' Clinch Mountain Guitar coupled with the Stanley style banjo gives it a unique flavor. The fact that Ralph still plays the clawhammer style banjo will keep it alive for many years. The truth of lyrics they sang. That white dove really hits home. Yes it was a log cabin that many of us were raised in on my mother's side of the family. I too was raised in the rolling hills of Virginia and I do love that log cabin. Home does play a factor. I would venture to say that a majority of people remember their home life as they get older. Reflections of home help us in our daily journey of life. Another point is that Ralph still travels the roads to several shows a year. I would say at least 250 show he does travel. With live performances he reaches those that do not have bluegrass available to them by way of radio or music stores. Some of my friends recently attended the Ralph II show in Warrenton, VA. They told me that it was not the kind of music they could listen to all the time on tape or CD but they could listen to live all the time. There is my $0.02 worth ----------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm Sid Bolden for Warrenton Bluegrass Series 2002: Feb 1 Ralph Stanley II & Clinch Mountain Boys with Lightnin' Ridge 7 PM Mar 22 IIIrd Tyme Out with Bluegrass Strangers 7:30 PM http://www.warrentonfire.org/concerts It's What You Want !!! ----- Original Message ----- From: "anastasia masurat" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 12:15 PM 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. > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. > > Bluegrass Bulletin Board brought to you by the fan club of > Dr Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys > subscribe or unsubscribe at http://drralphstanley.com/ > Bluegrass Bulletin Board brought to you by the fan club of Dr Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys subscribe or unsubscribe at http://drralphstanley.com/
