Ralph Stanley was an influential American bluegrass musician, born on February 25, 1927, in Dickenson County, Virginia. He gained fame as a banjo player and singer, particularly known for his high, lonesome voice. Stanley co-founded the Stanley Brothers with his brother Carter in the late 1940s, and their music helped shape the bluegrass genre. Throughout his career, Ralph Stanley released numerous albums and received several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album. He is also recognized for his contributions to the soundtrack of the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which introduced his music to a wider audience. Stanley passed away on June 23, 2016.