Dr. Ralph Edmond Stanley, Senior was born to Lucy and Lee Stanley in
Big Spraddle Creek, Virginia, near Stratton, in Dickenson County,
Virginia on February 25, 1927. Ralph grew up in Southwestern Virginia.
He is married to Jimmi, and they have 3 children, Lisa Tonya, and Ralph
Stanley, II. Recently, Ralph opened a museum in Clintwood, Virginia. He
currently resides in Coeburn, Virginia.
In 2001 won the Grammy for "Best Male Country Vocal Performance" for
his a capella rendition of the traditional song "O Death", from the
soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000).
Received an honorary doctorate in music from Lincoln Memorial
University in 1976.
He was awarded the 2006 American National Medal of the Arts by the
National Endowment of the Arts in Washington D.C. for his services to
music.
Inducted into the Grand Old Opry in January 2000.
With brother Carter Stanley (d. 1966) formed the much-heralded
bluegrass band The Stanley Brothers.