Ralph Stanley in 2013

[conklin]

Ralph Stanley performed to a sell-out crowd in Carrboro, NC, on January 4.
(That is Chapel Hill, just a few feet away). Jimmy Cameron has been
replaced but I did not catch the name of the new bass player, although he is
a clone for Jack Cooke in terms of voice. I saw Jimmy last in November when
he played with the Bluegrass Experience (mandolin).

Last year Ralph could still play clawhammer (Shout Little Lulie), but not
this time. He did try. Two years ago in Boone he did a great job with "And
a Robin Built a Nest on Daddy's Grave." This time Nathan had to whisper the
words in his ear just ahead of Ralph's singing them. When he said he did
not remember the words to a song, a lady in front of me shouted, "We'll help
you Ralph...."

It was a happy audience just to see Ralph again. Unlike in Durham last
year, when the Carolina Theatre was only a quarter full, the sell-out crowd
at the Arts Council, now headed by none other than Art Meinus, did a lot to
make the evening worthwhile. Also, Art had a video of Ralph et al. from a
1972 from a performance filmed by a TV station in Norton, I believe. Roy
Lee Centers and Ricky Skaggs!!! Happier times then.

They said Dave Freeman was in the audience, but I did not see him. There
were even people standing at the door asking if you might have a spare
ticket!!

Good show to see Ralph again.