Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys are currently celebrating two big accomplishments. It’s been 30 years since Dr. Ralph Stanley hired his son Ralph II as a lead singer and guitar player and the band, the Clinch Mountain Boys, are celebrating eight decades of music.
To commemorate the occasion, bluegrass promoter Ernie Evans, of Evans Media Source LLC, has decided to focus the annual 2026 Jekyll Island New Years Bluegrass Festival in Southern Georgia on the music of the Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
The 2026 event poster features a good likeness of both Carter and Dr. Ralph Stanley, and the festival lineup includes several artists who have performed or recorded with Dr. Ralph and the Clinch Mountain Boys throughout the years. Musicians Larry Efaw, Jim Lauderdale, Sonya and Becky Isaacs, and a few others are on the show bill. On Friday, January 2, a Stanley Brothers tribute hosted by Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys and friends was held. Several of the aforementioned artists participated in the tribute.
Both Dr. Ralph and Carter Stanley loved music from an early age. Dr. Ralph got his first banjo when he chose it over a sow hog as a young teenager. In a time and place where there was no abundance of anything except hard times, Dr. Ralph’s choice wouldn’t have been an easy one. His dedication to music was lifelong, as he performed right up until his passing at age 89.
Both Carter and Dr. Ralph penned hundreds of songs and contributed greatly to bluegrass, gospel, and mountain music. Their band has also become known for churning out great musicians and singers. An attempt to include a comprehensive list of former Clinch Mountain Boys here would be nearly impossible, but nevertheless, here’s a pretty good start.
Alphabetized A-Z by last name:
Sammy Adkins, Chubby Anthony, Junior Blankenship, Johnny Bonds, Dewey Brown, Noah Brown, Jimmy Cameron, Roy Lee Centers, Charlie Cline, Curly Ray Cline, Curtis Collins, Jack Cooke, Kenneth Davis, Larry Efaw, Stanley Efaw, Albert Elliott, Landon Fitzpatrick, Melvin Goins, Randall Hibbitts, James “Jay” Hughes, Joe Isaacs, Curly Lambert, Darrell “Pee Wee” Lambert, Alex Leach, Ricky Lee, Wayne Lewis, Ralph Mayo, Todd Meade, Joe Meadows, Don Miller, Paul “Moon” Mullins, Bill Napier, Ernie Newton, Troy “Renfro” Profitt, Audey Ratliff, John Rigsby, Mike Seeger, James Alan Shelton, Caleb Shifflett, George Shuffler, John Shuffler, Charlie Sizemore, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Slaughter, Steve Sparkman, Larry Sparks, Art Stamper, Nathan Stanley, Ralph Stanley II, Red Stanley, James “Chick” Stripling, Bobby Sumner, Ernie Thacker, Mitchell Van Dyke, Keith Whitley, and Lester Woodie.
With Ralph Stanley II leading the way since the passing of his father, 2026 also marks 30 years since Dr. Ralph hired his son as a full-time member of the band. Recently, the Facebook page for Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys has lit up with videos of major recording artists like Rhonda Vincent, John Anderson, Larry Sparks, and Dave Adkins congratulating Ralph II on his 30th anniversary, and on the 80th anniversary of the band being led by a Stanley.
I had the chance to speak with Ralph II briefly and he shared this statement:
“I’m proud to be carrying on the legacy that was left by my dad Ralph and uncle Carter. I’m thankful to be celebrating 30 years as a lead singer and guitar player, and 80 years of music from the Clinch Mountain Boys.”
Having recorded numerous projects, charted 11 number one singles, received two grammy nominations, and won a grammy as well, it’s safe to say the Clinch Mountain Boys are in good hands.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys!
