“I THINK I HEAR A TRAIN”
PUTS RALPH STANLEY II IN CLEAR FOCUS WITH A NEW GENERATION OF LISTENERS
(Nashville, Tennessee) –June 9, 2011 –The roots of the Stanley family genius run deep—crossing time and generations from the original seeds of greatness planted by Dr. Ralph Stanley as an innovative pioneer in bluegrass music.
Fast forward to 2011 and Ralph Stanley II bears the unmistakeable influence of the family’s musical traditions—combined with his own unique creativity and approach to his own brand of signature born-in-the-heart-the-Virginia-hills drenched country leanings. Delivered by Ralph II, it’s an authentic styling that’s putting the Stanley influence solidly back in sharp focus with a new generation of listeners.
Ralph II’s new single “I Think I Hear A Train” is an offering that’s covered in family branding. In March of this year, Ralph II signed with Stanley Generation Records, a forward thinking label founding by his nephew, Nathan Stanley—18 year old grandson of Dr. Ralph—and himself one of the exciting new break-through artists of 2011. Stanley Generation is distributed through Sony-Red putting the family tradition in world-class industry positioning to get the new music heard.
Despite his deep roots in bluegrass, Ralph II’s love of country music resonates in every note. “Two” as he’s known to close friends, stepped onstage at age 2 with Dr. Ralph for his debut performance –ultimately spending nearly half the first 30 years of his life as lead singer and rhythm guitarist for his father’s famous Clinch Mountain Boys—a spot held onstage by musical greats of the caliber of Carter Stanley, Larry Sparks, Keith Whitley, Ricky Skaggs and Charlie Sizemore.
Launching his own solo career, Ralph II gravitated towards his open love affair with country music—generating five solo albums that have been critically acclaimed and connective with listeners. He earned Grammy® nominations for two of these collections (Carry On and Stanley Blues) and as a member of the Clinch Mountain Boys, won a ‘Best Bluegrass Album’ Grammy in 2003 in collaboration with Dr. Ralph and Jim Lauderdale for Lost In The Lonesome Pines.
As the newest single attests, Ralph Stanley II has a unique platform in today’s industry—one that’s unmistakeably attracting listeners to the sound of “I Think I Hear A Train.” The single is being released to the Bluegrass, Americana, and Classic Country formats and is being promoted by HMG Nashville.