In a commonwealth as diverse as Virginia, one thing always remains constant: Dr. Ralph Stanley. The living musical legend, who turned 80 earlier this year, has lived his entire life in Dickinson County, located in the southwestern corner of the state.
A pioneer in traditional American music with few equals, Stanley has experienced an upsurge in popularity since the 2000 release of the wildly popular soundtrack to the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou," on which he was prominently featured.
He still tours frequently, especially throughout Virginia, with The Clinch Mountain Boys, his longtime band that now features his only son Ralph II and his 14-year-old grandson Nathan.
Stanley will be making a visit this week to The Birchmere in Alexandria, a venue he plays frequently in Northern Virginia.
"I’d just like to invite all of my fans to see us again up there," he said. "I’m expecting another sell out crowd."
Alexandria Gazette: When was the last time you played in Northern Virginia?
Ralph Stanley: It was back probably six months ago. In December, I believe.
AG: Have you ever played at the Birchmere before?
RS: I’ve played it for years. I played it I don’t know how many times.
AG: Do you like it?
RS: I like playing there. It’s a nice place. We always sell out there. I always look forward to it. We play there twice a year.
AG: As a native Virginian, how would you say the state has changed since you began playing?
RS: Mostly I’d say I draw bigger and better crowds than I did years ago. I got all of the old friends I used to have 50 years ago and I get a lot of new fans every year.
AG: Your son Ralph Stanley II plays with you in your band. What’s that like?
RS: That’s good, you know? Ralph II plays and my grandson Nathan Stanley also plays with me. It’s three generations on stage.
AG: "Clinch Mountain Backstep" is one of your most famous songs. Where did you get the inspiration to write it?
RS: I was just fooling around rehearsing and playing with the banjo. I was trying to hit an extra lick or two and it came through me. I put it together and made a tune.
AG: What are your plans for the future?
RS: It’s hard to say right now. We have a lot of shows booked for the balance of this year and for next year too. I’m 80 years old and I’ve been in this business for 60 years. I’m hoping to be around for a little while longer. I want to be able to do my job.
AG: You mentioned that you have been in the business for 60 years. Do you feel like you’ve seen it all or are there still things that surprise you?
RS: No I don’t think so. I think I’ve seen about all of it. I don’t know anything new. I’ve seen my part of it.