Hillard Blankenship Jr., known in the bluegrass world simply as Junior Blankenship, died June 24, 2026, at his home in Virginia. He was 66 years of age.
Junior was among the longest-serving members of Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, playing lead guitar with him for 19 years, starting in 1977. He was a fine exponent of the crosspicking guitar style pioneered by George Shuffler with The Stanley Brother, which remained a part of Ralph’s sound until the end. His son, Ralph Stanley II, continues that tradition today with The Clinch Mountain Boys.
The Stanley connection was actually a Blankenship family affair, as his father, Hillard Sr., drove the bus for Ralph, probably why he agreed to let his son join the band at only 17 years of age. Junior’s first show with Ralph was in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Father and son had also performed together in The Rocky Mountain Boys.
During his time with Stanley, Junior appeared on 20 recordings, and on a trip with the Boys to Japan not long after he joined. This was a very strong edition of the group, with his tenure crossing periods with such stellar artists as Jack Cooke, Curly Ray Cline, Charlie Sizemore, and Ernie Thacker.
He also toured for a time with Ralph II, and recorded with him as well.
In response to the news of Junior’s death, II posted this online.
“Heartbroken to hear the news of my good buddy Junior Blankenship passing. We travelled many miles together through the years. We sure will miss him.”
After his time with The Clinch Mountain Boys, Junior continued to play traditional mountain bluegrass. Together with an old bandmate he was part of the Ernie Thacker-Junior Blankenship Band, who left behind a pair of very soulful albums. He also performed with his own Junior Blankenship Band.
Outside of a short stint living in Nashville, Junior stayed close to home in Dickenson County, VA.
Bluegrass fans will remember Junior for his bright smile and kind manner towards everyone who spoke with him, as well as his superb guitar playing and singing.
A graveside service was held yesterday, June 28, at J.S Willis Cemetery in Haysi, VA.
R.I.P., Junior Blankenship.
