Taking the stage with Ralph by their side, these three beloved country legends gave the bluegrass icon a stunning tribute.
Vince Gill, known for penning “Go Rest High on That Mountain”, revealed that it was Ralph Stanley who helped him hone his musical talents even more.
“If it had not been for the music of the Stanley Brothers, especially Ralph’s voice, I wouldn’t have known how to write this song, and I wouldn’t have known how to sing this song…”‘
Gill along with Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs all took the stage during Ralph Stanley’s funeral to sing this beloved song in memory of a true inspiration to them all. Each of them shared stories of how Stanley helped contribute to their success as musicians and how he helped them grow as artists in various ways.
Loveless and Skaggs originally provided the backup vocals for Gill’s recording of the song so it was only fitting that they all share in honoring one of country music’s greatest influences.
Stanley passed away on June 23rd of complications from cancer at the age of 89. Throughout his lengthy career he earned many accolades and achievements, and is very well known for developing a unique style of playing the banjo – known as the “Stanley Style”.
“He was the one that taught me how to sing. When I was a little girl, I didn’t know it, but when I would listen … it reached inside my heart, and I continue to try my best to touch people’s lives as Ralph did with his voice,” Loveless says remembering how he helped shape her early interest in music.
Watch this beautiful video of Gill, Loveless, and Skaggs giving a heartwarming performance of “Go Rest High on That Mountain” below.
