Honoring Ernest V. Stoneman
Ernest V. Stoneman’s contributions to the musical heritage of 20th century America cannot be ignored. He was among the first rural performers to record and release his music. He practically defined the “three chords and the truth” approach to songwriting. He formed a unified whole out of the disparate world views of modern society and the mountain traditions of Southwestern Virginia.
Next month (September 23, 2008) will see the release of a two-disc compilation of his works, titled The Unsung Father Of Country Music, 1925-1934. Included with the disc is a 44 page booklet containing an introduction by Patsy Stoneman, along with many historical images.
The release party for this CD set is a planned two-day affair to be held in Galax, VA September 5-6. The event will include live concerts, presentations, and advance sales of the product. On September 5 there will be a series of performances, by local and regional artists, presented at the Rex Theater in Galax. September 6 will see a presentation by Henry Sapoznik, co-producer of the box set, taking place at the Blue Ridge Music Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, VA, followed by a performance by Roni, Patsy & Donna Stoneman. This event is free, and open to the public.
Many of Virginia’s leading political figures have invited, including Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA), Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA, 9th Dist.), Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) and Senator John Warner (R-VA). If they all choose to attend, this is sure to be a high profile event honoring the music of one of America’s historical treasures, Ernest V. Stoneman.
2008 also marks Stoneman’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. A well deserved honor.


The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville has just announced the list of this year's inductees, all of whom have a bluegrass connection.
The honorees are selected annually in three chronological career categories: pre WWII, WWII to 1975, and 1975-present.
Ernest V. (Pop) Stoneman will be honored...
Mountain Stage, the long-running roots music radio show hosted by Larry Groce, and now also offered on television, will travel to Bristol (TN/VA) to record shows in honor of Bristol's status as "The Birthplace Of Country Music." An organization by that name (Birthplace Of Country Music Alliance - BCMA)...
I saw this video of Donna Stoneman really rockin'out on her electric mandolin doing Bluegrass Stomp withn her sister Ronnie on tamborine, This was a real boundry overstepper like in the mid 60s ala Hullabaloo show on your blog this morning. what a percurser to the newgrass genre!...
Hi Everyone,
Just a note to let Balsam Range and Pine Mountain Railroad fans know that Volunteer Speedway in BullsGap, TN is hosting their first ever "Pickin' in the Gap' Bluegrass show on Friday September 5th featuring these two groups. Also appearing that evening will be Alexandria VA's sister act,...
Some of bluegrass music's top present-day stars will honor Bill Monroe on September 30 in the annual Bill Monroe Bluegrass Celebration, which will take place on Tuesday, September 30 at the Opry House in Nashville.
The Bill Monroe Bluegrass Celebration, presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store...
Studio Special, XM Satellite Radio's weekly program of live performance and interviews with bluegrass artists, has a mix of their most popular shows set to run during IBMA week.
Instead of one new show, airing multiple times over the course of a week, the shows starting tomorrow (9/22) will feature...




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