RALPH STANLEY: The Last Mountain Man

What did you think when people were comparing you and your brother to Bill Monroe and his band?
Well, when we started out, we had a boy playing with us by the name of Pee Wee Lambert, and he played the mandolin like Bill and sung like Bill. But he didn’t stay with us for more than a couple of years, and that’s when we developed our own sound. But when we started, and he was with us, it sounded something like Bill.

After your brother passed away, did you ever think of retiring?
I didn’t know whether I could go on without him or not. But I got telegrams and letters and phone calls-I don’t know how many-that said to not quit, to keep on playing, and that they had been Stanley Brothers fans and would support me. It was a pleasant surprise. I was glad to hear that.

What were your thoughts the first time you saw Ricky Skaggs?
Well, I gave Ricky Skaggs his first job. He was about 16 years old, and he came out to a show. I hired him and Keith Whitley, too. I gave both of them their first jobs. I saw they had potential. I had a full band, but I gave them a job just to help them out. I thought they were worthy of it, and I thought they’d do good. I’m proud they did.

What have you thought of the way bluegrass has changed?
Well, I’ll never change like that, but there’s plenty of room for it. It’s good, but I stick to the traditional. I’ll never change myself, but it’s ok.

Is touring as much fun as it used to be?
Nah. Touring is not easy. It gets pretty rough on me. I’m 81 years old, and I’ve been traveling for 61 years. It’s not as easy as it used to be. These miles get long.

But it must be nice that there are so many people that want to see you play?
Yeah, I’m proud of that, and I’m proud that after I made a tour with O Brother Where Art Thou? I met a new audience. It just doubled and tripled. It put the icing on the cake for me.

Is there a reason you don’t play the banjo much anymore?
Yeah, I’ve got some arthritis in my hand, and I found a young man who sounds exactly like me. It makes it easier for me to sing without having to play the banjo. I can put all of my attention on singing. A lot of the people tell me that I sing better. I don’t think I’ve lost much. I think God has rewarded me with that. I’m proud of it, and I thank Him every day.

I notice that at your shows you make a point of meeting your fans.
Yeah, I go out and meet my audience. I like to do that. I think they want to meet you and shake hands with you, and I have always done that. I believe that’s one reason that I’ve stayed around as long as I have. I’ve never felt above my audience. I mix with them.

Do you have any plans to go back into the studio?
I study about it a lot, and I want to. I may do one more CD. I don’t know for sure yet. I’ve done more than 200. That will last a long time.

I saw that you supported Barack Obama for President. Since you’re from a Republican area, does that cause you any problems?
Well, they don’t say much around here. And traveling, some people like it and some don’t. But, you know, I have my right just like everybody. I was raised that way, and I’m a lifelong Democrat.