Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys: Paying homage while creating a legacy of his very own

It’s pretty cool to be the son of an icon. When your dad was a pioneering figure in the evolution of a music genre, it’s not hard to come out of that without at least a little bit of inspiration. It’s almost impossible, perhaps, not to try yourself to pick up an instrument and do some pickin’ and strummin’.

That’s exactly what happened to Ralph Stanley II, son of one of the patriarchs of the bluegrass sound. As the son of the late Dr. Ralph Stanley, he couldn’t resist learning to play the music that he was exposed to at home.

The first instrument that young Ralph ever held was a banjo. However, unlike his father, who famously played clawhammer style, the youngster fell in love with the guitar instead. He’d found one under his sister’s bed, and by age 5, had decided that guitar would be his constant companion.

“I focus on good driving rhythm and cross picking style of lead playing,” he said, when asked to succinctly describe his style. “My biggest influences musically were of course The Stanley Brothers, Keith Whitley, and George Jones, just to name a few.”

By the mid-90s, he began playing professionally, touring with his father as a member of the Clinch Mountain Boys. He still performs today with Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys. Even though his father is no longer there onstage, the original spirit of his music certainly is.

“It was my father's wish that I keep the Clinch Mountain Boys name alive behind mine,” Stanley explained. “I have carried [the name] into its 80th year this year, and that made 10 years of Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys. I have been making a living doing this now professionally for 31 years.”

While Stanley takes care of lead guitar and lead vocals, his bandmates include Curtis Coleman (banjo/guitar/vocals); Stanley Efaw (fiddle/mandolin/vocals); and, Randall Hibbitts (bass/vocals). 

The Grammy-winning Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys have set standards in their own right; they tour internationally and have scored more than a dozen #1 radio hits. 

“We are playing some of the best festivals in the country all summer and fall,” Stanley said. “And we are always working on new material.” 

With a year jam-packed with tour dates, it won’t be difficult to find Stanley somewhere on the festival circuit. For instance, on Sept. 3-5, the band is an important part of the Coal Miner’s Appreciation Festival that takes place between Coeburn and McClure, Virginia. On Friday, Sept. 25, Stanley will appear at Covered Bridge Days in Elizabethton, Tennessee. On Oct. 8, catch him onstage at the Blue Highway Bluegrass Festival in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. The list of dates is too long to include in full but can be found at Ralph2.com.

In addition to his work with the band, Stanley has received other accolades. He’s been nominated for a Grammy twice for albums he had recorded previously; earned his first Grammy win alongside Dr. Ralph Stanley in 2002 when they collaborated with Jim Lauderdale; and, has six solo albums under his belt, including a record titled “Side by Side” that features father/son duets.

Success in this business may partly reside in the genes, but an equal portion of that success comes from hard work and commitment that is individually earned. After 31 years in the business, Ralph Stanley II is paying homage to his father’s legacy while creating a strong bluegrass legacy of his very own.

https://ralph2.com/