As celebrities from Hollywood to New York City line up to endorse presidential candidates, one of the most celebrated bluegrass musicians of all time was not to be left out.
Ralph Stanley, the great singer and banjo man, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama Tuesday, the Washington Post reports.
"After the last eight years, Virginia families need someone on their side, someone looking out for their interests, and I know Barack Obama will be that leader," Stanley was quoted in the Post.
Stanley has been a Triangle favorite since the late 1940s, when he and brother Carter appeared on radio station WPTF in downtown Raleigh, reports Tommy Goldsmith.
More modern audiences may best remember Stanley's voice as it emerged from a Klansman's hood, singing "O Death" in the hit movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?"
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Re: Ralph Stanley endorses Obama
It's sad so many here don't know Ralph Stanley! The man is a giant. As for what issues... I think:
"After the last eight years, Virginia families need someone on their side, someone looking out for their interests, and I know Barack Obama will be that leader,"
could safely be interpreted to mean economic issues. I think Stanley is saying (and I'd agree) that we can't stand another four years of the past eight years' economic policies. We need real change not just empty rhetoric.