Bluegrass legend to visit Morgantown

American bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley will perform at Morgantown’s Metropolitan Theatre Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

The artist, who is known to the world of bluegrass as "Dr. Ralph Stanley" after receiving an honorary doctorate of music from Lincoln Memorial University, is renowned for his signature "Stanley Style" of banjo picking he perfected throughout a 60-year career in the music business.

"Ralph Stanley has entertained audiences for more than 60 years; he’s a true entertainer," said David Ryan, West Virginia University Arts & Entertainment public relations specialist. "His sound is authentic, and his legacy is littered throughout country and bluegrass today."

Stanley began his professional career alongside his brother, Carter Stanley, in the Clinch Mountain Boys 1946-66.

The group found success with its down-home bluegrass sound and eventually formed its signature sound under the direction of King Records, a record label which at the time housed the likes of James Brown and Valerie Carr.

Carter, however, succumbed to an ongoing battle with cirrhosis in 1966, and Ralph was forced to continue his career as a solo artist.

Undeterred, Stanley found success time and time again in his career, most notably in 2002, when he won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for his work on "O Death," which was featured in the 2000 film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

In addition to this, Stanley was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1992, and he also became the first person inducted into the Grand Ole Opry at the turn of the 21st century.

For these distinctions, there is no doubt Stanley is a true legend of country music, and his performance at the Metropolitan Theatre affords a rare opportunity for music lovers and casual fans alike.

"All good music is universal, and Ralph Stanley has produced some of the best music in his genre," Ryan said. "We’re glad we can bring in varied acts and performers that may open someone up to something that they may have otherwise not considered before."

With a mantle of accolades that rivals almost anyone in the music business today and a signature bluegrass sound refined through decades of hard work, Stanley’s performance is a can’t-miss event for those interested in a firsthand encounter with a slice of music history.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at the Creative Arts Center and Mountainlair box office locations or by phone at 304-293-SHOW.

Tickets are $29 for the general public and $19 for WVU students with a valid student ID.