James? I really, really enjoyed you taking us there with your
memories. The kindest Thank you to you.
Obviously.... I love stories retold. As I said in here before,
they'll die off if we don't keep history
going with our stories. I just hope Doris
got to see your letter. It'll melt her heart.
I think I'll forward it to her just in case she's been busy, or scared
off somehow. :o)
There's a (50-is) man at church that is bringing me some "bootleg"
tapes his Daddy had done
when he was a little boy and they would go
listen to Ralph in the Virginia areas. I'll let you
know
about them when I finally get them. They may be irreplaceably
interesting. Especially since he
said my Grandad was titled on it too ---- and I didn't think anyone knew
who he was 'cept us.
I'm anxiously waiting to hear what he's got.
And, while I've not yet heard II's cd.... My brother?
I'm Sure you did a beautiful job, as always.
God loves music and God loves Martins. And God bless
you. I especially want to thank you
personally for the way you've been Ralph's guardian (angel) and kindred
watcher. You have
manna from Heaven coming your way sir. That's my
prayer.
And thanks again for being kind enough to share with us.
Your sister in Christ,
Renee' Stanley
~~~~~~~~~
Carter was putting everything he had into the show although his health
and voice were growing noticably weaker. But he still sang with all that
feeling that he had, like he meant and felt every word that he sang. Both
Ralph and George Shuffler were in top form that day too. After that show, they
went to Nashville, TN to attend the annual DJ Convention and were honored
there with a dinner by their fan club. (The last time I was at George
Shuffler's house, he showed me a little guitar shaped award that was presented
to him at that dinner in recognition for all his years of service as
a Clinch Mountain Boy). A week later on October 21st, they were to
perform at a school in Hazel Green, KY which is near Campton. Carter got sick
that night after singing only about three songs and had to leave the stage.
Melvin Goins told me the last song he did on stage was "Single Girl". Of
course as everyone knows his condition worsened and Carter passed away on
December 1, 1966 in Bristol Memorial Hospital.
Things have a way of coming full circle I guess. Ralph Stanley
II recorded the "Single Girl" for his new album, "Carrying On" which
was just released on Rebel Records on June 29th. I really enjoyed the
chance to try to re-create George Shuffler's beautiful guitar intro on
the song. I hope I did it justice!
I'm also hoping that some of the above information helps for those
of you asking about the "Single Girl".
Sincerely,
James A. Shelton
