This week we continue to feature musicians who have been inspired by the music of their home region. Weâll hear songs from Ralph Stanley, Sheila Kay Adams, Stan Rogers, Guy Clark, Mud Morganfield and many more. You can go home … Continue reading →
Update: Sadly, Ralph Stanley passed away on June 23 2016 at age 89. I believe itâs important to give tribute while the subject is still with us. Ralph Stanley turned 89 on February 25th and although heâs lost a step … Continue reading →
The purity of the unaccompanied human voice is one of the most beautiful sounds. Songs sung without accompaniment or a capella have a long history in folk music. You donât need an instrument to make beautiful music whether youâre working … Continue reading →
Gary B. Reid The Music of the Stanley Brothers University of Illinois Press 978-0-252-08033-3 www.press.uillinois.edu From the Blue Sky Boys and Monroe Brothers down through the Everlys, brother duets have created some of country … Continue reading →
Introduction We here at Murder Ballad Monday would love every week to bring you a fully researched ‘deep dive’ into a particular ballad, but time doesn’t always allow for that, given that we don’t make a penny from this work. … Continue reading →
WINDY HILL Let’s Go To The Fair Windy Hill http://windyhillbluegrass.com I saw this Northern, California-based bluegrass band at last yearâs well-attended Susanville Bluegrass Festival. From the first few notes it was apparent, from both … Continue reading →
DON RIGSBY Doctor’s Orders: A Tribute To Ralph Stanley Rebel 1841 www.rebelrecords.com Even if Don Rigsby had not become captivated by the music of Ralph Stanley at the age of five (and met him … Continue reading →
Bluegrass singer and banjo player Ralph Stanley has announced that he plans to retire in December of 2014. Now age 86, âDr. Ralph Stanleyâ has had a storied career with tremendous achievements, including inventing his own banjo playing style, winning … Continue reading →
Golgotha Jesus and the Murder Ballad This week we’re going to take a small detour from the traditional murder ballad. Shaleane’s post on Nick Cave’s “The Mercy Seat” prompted me to consider just how frequently and in what guises Jesus figures … Continue reading →
Romeo and Juliet – Sir Frank Dicksee, 1884 Note: This is Part 3 of a three part series.  See also Part 1 and Part 2. Introduction What is it about this week’s song, “Matty Groves”, that attracts us so?  (If you’re … Continue reading →
