In 2002, as he toured in the wake of O Brother, Where Art
Thou? and its incredibly successful American-roots soundtrack, Dr.
Ralph Stanley, who began his musical career in the ’40s as the
banjo-picking half of the Stanley Brothers, told the Flyer that
all this late-life attention had taken him completely by surprise.
“When we were recording for the soundtrack, I didn’t have any idea
that it would be so successful,” Stanley said, beaming with pride.
“This old-time music was never put out where people could hear it. It
was put out, but not to where millions of listeners could hear it. And
when they finally heard it, I think they enjoyed it.”
That was quite an understatement. O Brother‘s popularity
reinvigorated the American folk-music scene and shed light into the
darker corners of traditional mountain and gospel music. In spite of
Stanley’s influential banjo style and the Stanley Brothers’ haunting
minor-key harmonies, Stanley’s music had remained just outside the
reach of popular audiences, obscured by the looming shadow of bluegrass
pioneer Bill Monroe. Suddenly, as the millennium turned, Stanley’s name
became a household word, and he was transformed into the tirelessly
touring elder statesman of authentic American music.
Now, at the age of 82, Stanley continues to tour, and he will drop
in on the Memphis in May barbecue fest on Friday to sing musical
treasures like “O Death,” “Little Glass of Wine,” and “Nine Pound
Hammer.”
Ralph Stanley, Friday, May 15th, 7:30 p.m. at the Memphis in May
World Championship
Barbecue Cooking Contest. $8
