Ralph Stanley, one of the most influential pioneers of bluegrass, or, as he called it, mountain music, passed away this Thursday, June 23, at the age of 89. Stanley first achieved fame along with his brother Carter through their genre-defining recordings of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s and continued to act as a force of both tradition and innovation with the Clinch Mountain Boys until his death. He was a Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee and a member of the Grand Ole Opry, as well as the recipient of an honorary doctorate in music from Lincoln Memorial University and the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. His work remains an inspiration to new generations of bluegrass artists.

Tune in to WKCR 89.9FM this Sunday, June 26, from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM as we celebrate Dr. Stanley’s life and career with a six-hour memorial broadcast of only his music.