Bluegrass music has its ties to Tennessee, Kentucky, and certainly Virginia. In fact, Virginia has been the birthplace of several famous bluegrass musicians and country stars alike. For instance, did you know that Ralph Stanley was born in Virginia? Dr. Stanley was highly influential in the genre, and his voice and banjo playing are among the most iconic sounds in bluegrass. Here’s more on the famous musician that hailed from the tiny southwestern Virginia town of McClure.

Tucked away in Dickinson County awaits McClure, the tiny town famous for being the birthplace of bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley.
Wikipedia
Ralph's musical trajectory began at just 11 when his mother handed him a $5 bill in 1938, which would have been quite a big deal.
Ralph Stanley Museum / Facebook
With the money, Ralph bought a banjo, and the rest was history. He formed a band with his older brother Carter called the Stanley Brothers.
It wasn't long before Ralph Stanley was considered among the best bluegrass musicians of his time. During his lifetime, he would be inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor as well as the Grand Ole Opry.
Ralph Stanley Museum / Facebook
Early in his career, he covered lots of Bill Monroe, who was considered the Father of Bluegrass.

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From 1946 to 1966, the Carter Brothers performed with their band, the Clinch Mountain Boys. Carter passed away in 1967, and Ralph continued to play until his own death in 2016.
Wikipedia
Today, you can learn all about the life of Ralph Stanley when you visit the Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood.
Ralph Stanley Museum / Facebook
It's a fascinating place to hear about the musician's earliest days as well as the lasting mark he left on music history.
Ralph Stanley Museum / Facebook

Watch the brief video below, courtesy of Southwest Virginia, to hear a bit of Ralph’s famous singing as he introduces the region of Virginia he called home:

Did you know that Ralph Stanley was born in Virginia? What are some other fun facts you could share with us? Feel free to let us know in the comments below! For related content, read all about the legendary star Patsy Cline’s childhood in Virginia.

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