Ralph Stanley has been in the studio this month, working on a new album for Rebel Records, one which he has intimated may be his last. This will be an all-Gospel project, produced by his son Ralph Stanley II.
Ralph is recording with The Clinch Mountain Boys, and a few special guest performances are expected to be included, along with II singing lead on a couple of tracks. They have new songs from Ronnie Bowman and Jim Lauderdale, and Ralph is also planning to include a song from the days of The Stanley Brothers and at least one a capella number.
No word yet on a release date.
With Dr. Ralph having “said his piece” in his excellent autobiography, Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times, perhaps he is ready to make a final musical statement at age 82 before heading into a much-deserved retirement.
If you are looking for a last-minute Christmas gift, you could do much worse than this Stanley book, co-written with Eddie Dean. It is available in hardcover and as a ebook online.
Ralph will be appearing on tonight’s (12/18) edition of The Grand Ole Opry, and on Saturday’s as well. You can tune in and listen live online at wsmonline.com.
