David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.001.0001
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
Carter and Ralph Stanley—the Stanley Brothers—are comparable to Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs as important members of the earliest generation of bluegrass musicians. This biography of the brothers ...
More
Carter and Ralph Stanley—the Stanley Brothers—are comparable to Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs as important members of the earliest generation of bluegrass musicians. This biography of the brothers documents that Carter (1925–1966) and Ralph (b. 1927) were equally important contributors to the tradition of old-time country music. Together from 1946 to 1966, the Stanley Brothers began their careers performing in the schoolhouses of southwestern Virginia and expanded their popularity to the concert halls of Europe. In order to re-create this post-World War II journey through the changing landscape of American music, the author interviewed Ralph Stanley, the family of Carter Stanley, former members of the Clinch Mountain Boys, and dozens of musicians and friends who knew the Stanley Brothers as musicians and men. The late Mike Seeger allowed Johnson to use his invaluable 1966 interviews with the brothers. Notable old-time country and bluegrass musicians such as George Shuffler, Lester Woodie, Larry Sparks, and the late Wade Mainer shared their recollections of Carter and Ralph. The book begins and ends in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. Carter and Ralph were born there and had an early publicity photograph taken at the Cumberland Gap. In December 1966, pallbearers walked up Smith Ridge to bring Carter to his final resting place. In the intervening years, the brothers performed thousands of in-person and radio shows, recorded hundreds of songs and tunes for half a dozen record labels, and tried to keep pace with changing times.Less
Carter and Ralph Stanley—the Stanley Brothers—are comparable to Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs as important members of the earliest generation of bluegrass musicians. This biography of the brothers documents that Carter (1925–1966) and Ralph (b. 1927) were equally important contributors to the tradition of old-time country music. Together from 1946 to 1966, the Stanley Brothers began their careers performing in the schoolhouses of southwestern Virginia and expanded their popularity to the concert halls of Europe. In order to re-create this post-World War II journey through the changing landscape of American music, the author interviewed Ralph Stanley, the family of Carter Stanley, former members of the Clinch Mountain Boys, and dozens of musicians and friends who knew the Stanley Brothers as musicians and men. The late Mike Seeger allowed Johnson to use his invaluable 1966 interviews with the brothers. Notable old-time country and bluegrass musicians such as George Shuffler, Lester Woodie, Larry Sparks, and the late Wade Mainer shared their recollections of Carter and Ralph. The book begins and ends in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. Carter and Ralph were born there and had an early publicity photograph taken at the Cumberland Gap. In December 1966, pallbearers walked up Smith Ridge to bring Carter to his final resting place. In the intervening years, the brothers performed thousands of in-person and radio shows, recorded hundreds of songs and tunes for half a dozen record labels, and tried to keep pace with changing times.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0016
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ professional life in the early 1960s. It covers their live performances in New York City in 1961 and 1962; the death of their father Lee Stanley on August ...
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This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ professional life in the early 1960s. It covers their live performances in New York City in 1961 and 1962; the death of their father Lee Stanley on August 19, 1961; the end of their relationship with major sponsor the Jim Walter Corporation; the rise of their longtime rivals Flatt and Scruggs to become national celebrities; and their tour of the West in 1963.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ professional life in the early 1960s. It covers their live performances in New York City in 1961 and 1962; the death of their father Lee Stanley on August 19, 1961; the end of their relationship with major sponsor the Jim Walter Corporation; the rise of their longtime rivals Flatt and Scruggs to become national celebrities; and their tour of the West in 1963.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0011
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ struggles in the early 1950s with no record label or steady radio show to promote them. In May 1952 they moved to station WOAY in Oak Hill, West Virginia, ...
More
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ struggles in the early 1950s with no record label or steady radio show to promote them. In May 1952 they moved to station WOAY in Oak Hill, West Virginia, repeating the pattern of doing radio shows to promote in-person performances, and, in mid-1952, without a contract, recorded four songs for Rich-R-Tone. But in the spring of 1953 the brothers signed with Mercury Records. During the Mercury years, Ralph also began writing songs as well as tunes, and was credited with contributing three songs to the band’s fifth Mercury session on November 28, 1954.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ struggles in the early 1950s with no record label or steady radio show to promote them. In May 1952 they moved to station WOAY in Oak Hill, West Virginia, repeating the pattern of doing radio shows to promote in-person performances, and, in mid-1952, without a contract, recorded four songs for Rich-R-Tone. But in the spring of 1953 the brothers signed with Mercury Records. During the Mercury years, Ralph also began writing songs as well as tunes, and was credited with contributing three songs to the band’s fifth Mercury session on November 28, 1954.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0012
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ career from 1954–1958. These include their recordings for the Mercury label; the decline of the market for old-time country with the rise of rock and ...
More
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ career from 1954–1958. These include their recordings for the Mercury label; the decline of the market for old-time country with the rise of rock and roll; and their performances at music parks and extended tour of the Northwest in later summer 1956.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ career from 1954–1958. These include their recordings for the Mercury label; the decline of the market for old-time country with the rise of rock and roll; and their performances at music parks and extended tour of the Northwest in later summer 1956.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0015
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ professional life in the late 1950s. It covers the brothers’ tours and live performances; and their recordings for Starday and King Records.
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ professional life in the late 1950s. It covers the brothers’ tours and live performances; and their recordings for Starday and King Records.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0017
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter descries the financial struggles of the Stanley Brothers in the 1960s; their recordings for Wango Records and King Records; their growing reputation as a gospel group; their performances ...
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This chapter descries the financial struggles of the Stanley Brothers in the 1960s; their recordings for Wango Records and King Records; their growing reputation as a gospel group; their performances at the Newport Folk Festival in summer 1964 and at the University of Chicago Folk Festival in January 1965; signs of strain in their onstage relationship; and their recordings for Wayne Raney’s Rimrock label in December 1965.Less
This chapter descries the financial struggles of the Stanley Brothers in the 1960s; their recordings for Wango Records and King Records; their growing reputation as a gospel group; their performances at the Newport Folk Festival in summer 1964 and at the University of Chicago Folk Festival in January 1965; signs of strain in their onstage relationship; and their recordings for Wayne Raney’s Rimrock label in December 1965.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0013
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ time with the Suwannee River Jamboree radio show; their recordings sessions for Starday in summer 1958; and their recordings for King Records in ...
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This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ time with the Suwannee River Jamboree radio show; their recordings sessions for Starday in summer 1958; and their recordings for King Records in Cincinnati.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ time with the Suwannee River Jamboree radio show; their recordings sessions for Starday in summer 1958; and their recordings for King Records in Cincinnati.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0018
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ physician, Doctor Bruce William Mongle; Carter’s alcoholism; the brothers’ tour and live performances in 1966; and Carter’s deteriorating health.
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ physician, Doctor Bruce William Mongle; Carter’s alcoholism; the brothers’ tour and live performances in 1966; and Carter’s deteriorating health.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0003
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the boys’ lives in the 1930s and 1940s, and details how they fulfilled society’s expectations for male children who grew up during this era. These include helping the family by ...
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This chapter describes the boys’ lives in the 1930s and 1940s, and details how they fulfilled society’s expectations for male children who grew up during this era. These include helping the family by performing various routine tasks, being able to hunt, and willingness to serve in the military. The chapter also describes the Stanley brothers’ decision to form their own band in 1946.Less
This chapter describes the boys’ lives in the 1930s and 1940s, and details how they fulfilled society’s expectations for male children who grew up during this era. These include helping the family by performing various routine tasks, being able to hunt, and willingness to serve in the military. The chapter also describes the Stanley brothers’ decision to form their own band in 1946.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0008
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ life on the road from 1947–1948; Carter’s developing skills as a songwriter; and the evolution of the brothers’ music from the sweet harmony of brother ...
More
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ life on the road from 1947–1948; Carter’s developing skills as a songwriter; and the evolution of the brothers’ music from the sweet harmony of brother duos toward the flashier instrumentation and quicker tempos of bluegrass.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ life on the road from 1947–1948; Carter’s developing skills as a songwriter; and the evolution of the brothers’ music from the sweet harmony of brother duos toward the flashier instrumentation and quicker tempos of bluegrass.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0009
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ contract with Columbia Records, signed in October 1948; their Columbia recordings; the evolution of their high baritone sound and instrumental sound; the ...
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This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ contract with Columbia Records, signed in October 1948; their Columbia recordings; the evolution of their high baritone sound and instrumental sound; the economic forces that would drive old-time country and bluegrass acts to stay on the move throughout their careers; and Carter’s songwriting.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ contract with Columbia Records, signed in October 1948; their Columbia recordings; the evolution of their high baritone sound and instrumental sound; the economic forces that would drive old-time country and bluegrass acts to stay on the move throughout their careers; and Carter’s songwriting.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0014
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ relocation to Florida and their recordings for King Records; their writing of gospel songs; the folk music revival in the United States in 1958–1959; and ...
More
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ relocation to Florida and their recordings for King Records; their writing of gospel songs; the folk music revival in the United States in 1958–1959; and the brothers’ newfound status as folk exemplars.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ relocation to Florida and their recordings for King Records; their writing of gospel songs; the folk music revival in the United States in 1958–1959; and the brothers’ newfound status as folk exemplars.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0007
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ recordings for the Rich-R-Tone label, run by Hobart Stanton. For their recording sessions, Stanton brought the brothers into the studio of rival Bristol ...
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This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ recordings for the Rich-R-Tone label, run by Hobart Stanton. For their recording sessions, Stanton brought the brothers into the studio of rival Bristol radio station WOPI, which was located a few blocks from WCYB. The Rich-R-Tone recordings hold special significance because they identified the roots of the Stanley Brothers’ music.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ recordings for the Rich-R-Tone label, run by Hobart Stanton. For their recording sessions, Stanton brought the brothers into the studio of rival Bristol radio station WOPI, which was located a few blocks from WCYB. The Rich-R-Tone recordings hold special significance because they identified the roots of the Stanley Brothers’ music.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0019
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the death of Carter on December 1, 1966 at the age of 41, and the events that followed. It also raises the question of how successful the Stanley Brothers would have been if ...
More
This chapter describes the death of Carter on December 1, 1966 at the age of 41, and the events that followed. It also raises the question of how successful the Stanley Brothers would have been if Carter had remained healthy. The chapter concludes that while Carter succumbed to the fatal effects of alcoholism, a resilient Ralph carried on for more than sixty years, keeping his and Carter’s music alive.Less
This chapter describes the death of Carter on December 1, 1966 at the age of 41, and the events that followed. It also raises the question of how successful the Stanley Brothers would have been if Carter had remained healthy. The chapter concludes that while Carter succumbed to the fatal effects of alcoholism, a resilient Ralph carried on for more than sixty years, keeping his and Carter’s music alive.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0002
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the event that changed the life of Carter and Ralph Stanley: After fifteen years of marriage, their father Lee abandoned them to be with a younger woman. Carter was thirteen or ...
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This chapter describes the event that changed the life of Carter and Ralph Stanley: After fifteen years of marriage, their father Lee abandoned them to be with a younger woman. Carter was thirteen or fourteen, while Ralph was twelve. Neither the boys nor their mother ever recovered from his desertion. The chapter also considers the origin of the song, “Man of Constant Sorrow,” and how it became part of the Stanley Brothers’ repertoire.Less
This chapter describes the event that changed the life of Carter and Ralph Stanley: After fifteen years of marriage, their father Lee abandoned them to be with a younger woman. Carter was thirteen or fourteen, while Ralph was twelve. Neither the boys nor their mother ever recovered from his desertion. The chapter also considers the origin of the song, “Man of Constant Sorrow,” and how it became part of the Stanley Brothers’ repertoire.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0001
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter first paints a picture of the region that shaped the personalities of Carter and Ralph Stanley—the Appalachians—and then describes their family, childhood, and the development of their ...
More
This chapter first paints a picture of the region that shaped the personalities of Carter and Ralph Stanley—the Appalachians—and then describes their family, childhood, and the development of their musical talents.Less
This chapter first paints a picture of the region that shaped the personalities of Carter and Ralph Stanley—the Appalachians—and then describes their family, childhood, and the development of their musical talents.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0010
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ move to Shreveport, Louisiana, in the fall of 1950 to join the cast of radio station KWKH’s Louisiana Hayride; the reasons behind the band’s departure ...
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This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ move to Shreveport, Louisiana, in the fall of 1950 to join the cast of radio station KWKH’s Louisiana Hayride; the reasons behind the band’s departure from Shreveport after only three weeks; their move to WVLK in Versailles, Kentucky; and the impact of the Cold War.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ move to Shreveport, Louisiana, in the fall of 1950 to join the cast of radio station KWKH’s Louisiana Hayride; the reasons behind the band’s departure from Shreveport after only three weeks; their move to WVLK in Versailles, Kentucky; and the impact of the Cold War.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0004
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes Carter’s time in the band of fellow veteran Roy Sykes; the Stanley brothers’ formation of their band; and the role of their father Lee as their manager and agent. The months of ...
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This chapter describes Carter’s time in the band of fellow veteran Roy Sykes; the Stanley brothers’ formation of their band; and the role of their father Lee as their manager and agent. The months of October and November 1946 were life-changing for Carter and Ralph. In the space of six weeks, they made the transition from returning soldiers to a pair of professional musicians at an exciting time for American music.Less
This chapter describes Carter’s time in the band of fellow veteran Roy Sykes; the Stanley brothers’ formation of their band; and the role of their father Lee as their manager and agent. The months of October and November 1946 were life-changing for Carter and Ralph. In the space of six weeks, they made the transition from returning soldiers to a pair of professional musicians at an exciting time for American music.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0006
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ successful radio show at WCYB. The popularity of Farm and Fun Time led to a steady flow of requests for personal appearances that the new band—with Lee ...
More
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ successful radio show at WCYB. The popularity of Farm and Fun Time led to a steady flow of requests for personal appearances that the new band—with Lee Stanley as manager—kicked off by arranging what appears to be its first performance outside of Dickenson County, in neighboring Russell County.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ successful radio show at WCYB. The popularity of Farm and Fun Time led to a steady flow of requests for personal appearances that the new band—with Lee Stanley as manager—kicked off by arranging what appears to be its first performance outside of Dickenson County, in neighboring Russell County.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0005
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the importance of Bristol, Virginia’s WCYB to the career of the Stanley Brothers. Without the regional celebrity they acquired almost overnight on WCYB, Carter and Ralph might ...
More
This chapter describes the importance of Bristol, Virginia’s WCYB to the career of the Stanley Brothers. Without the regional celebrity they acquired almost overnight on WCYB, Carter and Ralph might have spent years building a following, if they managed to survive in the music business long enough to do so.Less
This chapter describes the importance of Bristol, Virginia’s WCYB to the career of the Stanley Brothers. Without the regional celebrity they acquired almost overnight on WCYB, Carter and Ralph might have spent years building a following, if they managed to survive in the music business long enough to do so.
