Re: BG: Re: quich question

[E Bryant Holman]

Mike, and Renee,   It is such a coincidence to me - uncanny, really - that I was just discussing Dr. Stanley's honorary doctorate only recently in an entirely different context that this. I was pointing out when it is acceptable to actually use the title "Dr." in front of ones name and when it is not, and I help up Dr. Stanley as probably a premier example of a legitimate use of the title. He, indeed, has done so much for not only bluegrass, but for American folk music itself, having stepped into the gap opened by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez, not only carrying on their work, but legitimizing it and bringing to new heights with his very presence. I realize that he, of course, was around before any of them (except for Guthrie), but once they popularized folk music, its attraction faded somewhat soon thereafter.   Indeed, a friend of mine was talking about having gone to a bluegrass festival, and what she was describing made it sound like the whole genre seems to be shifting into a sort of fusion music mold the way country music in general is, such that the roots of it are being left behind in favor of commercialism, and if my perceptions are correct in this matter, then it is all the more important that more focus be given on Dr. Stanley and all of those who support him and who might carry on his work some time in the future, if the Lord is willing. For instance, I told my friend that, clearly, dulcimers have always been a part of Appalachian folk music, but that there would not be any dulcimers in a traditional bluegrass band. But she said that all of the bands featured electric dulcimers! That is when I told her that she should check out the music of the Stanley Brothers and of Dr. Ralph Stanley, to get an idea of that bluegrass music was really all about, since I know, from a wonderful documentary I saw on LINK-TV about Dr. Stanley that he has worked hard to keep the traditional sound alive, and has scorned any new innovations. In any event, there are plenty of new innovations as it is, and it is refreshing that at least someone is keeping the "real" music alive!   The discussion that brought Dr. Stanley and his much deserved doctorate to mind had to do with anti-aspartame activist Betty Martini, who has embarrassed the rest of the food activism community with her insistence on calling herself "Dr." Martini after having received an honorary doctorate from a web based diploma mill run by a very questionable character. In the course of the discussion, I pointed out to a fellow activist that there was, indeed, a legitimate use of the title "Dr." before ones name, and I held up Dr. Ralph Stanley as the best example that I could think of.   By the way, Renee, I am sorry that you may have taken offense at Mike's question. I hope that you realize now that he didn't intend any disparagement of Dr. Stanley in that - but thank you so much for your clarifications anyway, as they were quite informative.   Bryant Holman Presidio, Texas   ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Smith To: bluegrass@drralphstanley.com Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 8:42 PM Subject: Re: BG: Re: quich question Renee,, You didn't understand why I asked that question. I have a son who is interested  American music history. He was wanting to know where he studied as he thought that school would have something that would interest him. I'm sorry if I offended you Mike    -------Original Message-------   From: Renee' Date: 11/19/05 09:28:52 To: bluegrass@drralphstanley.com Subject: BG: Re: quich question        I have a question We call hin Dr Ralph Stanley. What is the doctorite in? what school. Thanks Mike Smith   Have you never known of anyone having an honorary degree, such as Bill Cosby for instance?   Dr.Stanley "teaches" many to not only love and appreciate Mountain Music and the root soul of it but he teaches the aging techniques to young musicians alike.  I personally would never question that since I know music scholars who have earned degrees in state and Ivy universities who will never be able to come close to his talent, experience & knowledge, history, unique techniques and emphasizes on the heart and soul of the aged songs in which many came over from European countries. He not only teaches music, he teaches history too. ... just my beliefs and thoughts.   Sincerely, Renee' Stanley-Scheffler