On the song selection process of his newest duets album, he said, “Well to be honest, our producers Jim Lauderdale and Buddy Miller worked very close with my grandson, Nathan, on the song selection. Once they would come up with an idea, Nathan would run it by me and get my approval.”
Among his many duets on the project, he collaborated with Grammy winner Lee Ann Womack on “White Dove,” and he had nothing but praise for the country songstress. “I’m very glad that she was a part of the project. She did a fine job,” he said.
When asked about his personal favorite song on the album, he said, “Well, I like them all. I guess if I had to pick a favorite it would be ‘Hills of Home.’ That’s a recitation I wrote for my late brother, Carter Stanley, who passed away in 1966. We traveled together for twenty years until he passed. It’s very personal to me.”
Regarding his plans for the future, he said, “Well I’m not as young as I use to be, so I don’t travel like I used to. I just hope to keep right on singing until the Good Lord says ‘That’s it.'”
The 88-year-old veteran star described his music as “old time mountain music,” which is what they call bluegrass today. “I think my music has more of a mountain sound rather than just straight-up bluegrass,” he said.
For Stanley, a difference exists when he sings in the studio vs. performing live. “Oh, I would much rather perform live than record. Both is fine, but it’s less stressful on stage than it is being in the recording studio,” he said.
Throughout his illustrious career in the music industry, he won three Grammy awards, including the 2001 Grammy for “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” for his a cappella rendition of “O Death,” from the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack; moreover, he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and to the Grand Ole Opry in 2000.
On his proudest professional accomplishments, he said, “That would be very hard to say, I have received so many honors throughout out my 70-year career. One of my highlights was when President George W. Bush put the National Medal of Arts around my neck in the Oval Office at the White House.”
He had nothing but the greatest remarks for his grandson, Nathan Stanley, who worked with him on his latest Cracker Barrel project. “I am so proud of him. He is doing a wonderful job. Nathan has been my all and all for a long time. I’ve raised him since he was a pup. He does so much for me, both on and off-stage. I believe he will go far. As long as Nathan is around, I know my music will never die,” he said.
When he is at home, Dr. Ralph Stanley enjoys spending time with his family and resting. “I look forward to hitting the road when it’s time. I think that is what keeps me going,” he said.
On the key to longevity in the music industry, he said, “I give all the credit to the Good Lord for his blessings. It’s because of him that I have lasted for so long, and of course, my fans have supported me for so long. I appreciate them very much.”
For his fans, Dr. Ralph Stanley concluded, “I want to thank all of them for their support. They have been so kind to me. I love each and every one of them.”
To learn more about Dr. Ralph Stanley and his new music, check out his official website.
