RIP Ralph Stanley

How many times did I photograph Ralph Stanley? Too many times to count. Down From The Mountain tour, shows in everything from arenas, to rural auction houses. I even photographed him on a baseball field, at his festival in (very) rural Virginia in 2006. Along the way, I met great people, including his longtime guitarist James Alan Shelton. Now Ralph has joined James, and Ralph's brother Carter Stanley, in that circle in the sky. Safe travels, Ralph. You were a trailblazer, a game changer, and part of a generation that will never be duplicated, but left its mark to all to see. Play some claw hammer up there, Ralph, and tell James that I said hello. See you on the road.
-Daniel
June 23, 2016

photo copyright 2014 Daniel Coston