Ralph Stanley Photo Courtesy of Artist
Aug. 7, 2008 — Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley will receive one of his home state’s highest accolades Sept. 17 when he’s presented the Governor’s Award for the Arts during a ceremony at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.
Ralph’s work as a member of the Stanley Brothers made him — along with Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs — one of the most important pioneers in bluegrass. The Stanleys’ recording of "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow" provided the template for the Soggy Bottom Boys’ award-winning version in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? Ralph’s O Brother performance of "O Death" won a Grammy award, and he’s since been featured in a duet with Josh Turner on "Me And God."
"These awards recognize outstanding achievement and excellence in the arts," Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine said of the Governor’s trophies. "They call attention to the creative spirit that contributes to the quality of life throughout the Commonwealth."
Ralph’s contributions have been recognized several times. The Virginia Press Association hailed him as Virginian of the Year in 2004, and the state’s General Assembly cited him this year for his lifetime achievements. Additionally, President George W. Bush presented him a National Medal of Arts in 2006.
The genre Ralph helped to build will take center stage in Nashville on Oct. 2 with presentation of the 19th annual International Bluegrass Music Awards. Del McCoury will host the show at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The event is one of the highlights of the World of Bluegrass Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 5. The wide-ranging festival will include public performances by Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea, Michael Martin Murphey, the Grascals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Cherryholmes and the Dan Tyminski Band, among others. Nominees for the IBMAs will be announced Aug. 14.