Overall Comments

I just finished Man of Constant Sorrow. It was written exactly as Dr. Stanley would sound like if he was sitting talking to you. Very entertaining and shows how faith in God that the mountain folks hold so dear helped them survive the tough times they had. Great read!

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I have never seen Dr Ralph Stanley perform and only have a few recordings of his work but, after reading his book, "Man of Constant Sorrow", I feel like I have known him personally for years. He has made me feel like I know what it's like to tour the country, sing and play banjo professionally and to live with triumph and tragedy.

The book is an entertaining and educative read from cover to cover and is written in a style that makes you feel as though he's sitting in the room with you yarning away. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in Mr Stanley, the Stanley Brothers, the Clinch Mountain Boys, Old time music, Bluegrass or general folk culture.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

He doesn't talk much and is a quiet reserved man. But after reading his book you start to understand why. He tries to get directly across to the reader what he is really like and describes his early life growing up with Carter and how they got into music. There is nothing lost in translation. because his writing is so direct and honest you really get the picture (just like his songs!). Some of his old time stories are real funny. He is a great story teller because of his honesty and directness in the same way he is a great singer of old time songs.

Overall Rating

10