The War interrupted any thoughts of a musical career, and it was not until both brothers returned from the service that they were able to make their own mark in music -- ultimately ending up on WCYB Bristol, Tennessee, where they would remain for over ten years as stalwarts of the famed "Farm and Fun Time" radio show. Their music initially followed a more old time style favored by Mainer's Mountaineers, with Ralph playing the banjo in the old two-finger style, interspersed with old time clawhammer playing, before taking a stab at the new three-finger style popularised by Earl Scruggs.
They formed The Clinch Mountain Boys in 1946. They were perhaps the first band to adopt the new music style created by Bill Monroe in the mid-1940s that later became known as bluegrass. Carter played guitar and sang lead while Ralph played banjo and sang with a strong, high tenor voice. Their harmonies are much admired, and many consider Carter Stanley to be one of the greatest singers in the history of country music. The brothers also wrote many of their own songs and Carter had a particular knack for writing deceptively simple lyrics that portrayed strong emotion. The Stanley's style can best be described as a traditional "mountain soul" sound that remained close to the Primitive Baptist vocal stylings they learned from their parents and others near their southwestern Virginia home.
The early Stanley Brothers recordings on Rich-R-Tone (of Johnson City, Tennessee) included Pee Wee Lambert on mandolin. They later added an innovative touch to their traditional sound with the guitar solos of George Shuffler who often used a crosspicking style.
Carter performed briefly with Bill Monroe while Ralph was recovering from injuries received in an automobile accident in 1951. As bluegrass music grew less popular in the late 1950s, the Stanley Brothers moved to Live Oak, Florida to headline the weekly Suwannee River Jamboree radio show on WNER. The three-hour show was also syndicated across the Southeast. Otherwise the brothers performed together until 1966 (from 1961 on as a duo). After Carter's death Ralph revived the Clinch Mountain Boys and is still performing in 2006. Among the musicians who have played in the revived Clinch Mountain Boys are Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Larry Sparks, Curly Ray Cline, Jack Cooke, and Ralph Stanley II. Ralph's career received a big boost with his prominent role on the phenomenally successful soundtrack recording of the 2000 film, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?." The Stanley Brothers were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1992.
Among the Stanley Brothers' best known recordings are:
* I'm A Man of Constant Sorrow (1950, Columbia)
* Rank Stranger
* Angel Band
* How Mountain Girls Can Love
* How Far to Little Rock? (novelty)
* Still trying to get to Little Rock (novelty)
* Ridin' That Midnite Train
* Clinch Mountain Backstep
* She's More To Be Pitied
* The Memory of Your Smile
* Love Me Darlin' Just Tonight
Clinch Mountain Boys Members
* Carter Stanley (guitar)
* Ralph Stanley (banjo)
* Darrell "Pee Wee" Lambert (mandolin)
* Jim Williams (mandolin)
* Curly Lambert (mandolin)
* Leslie Keith (fiddle)
* Robert "Bobby" Sumner (fiddle)
* Les Woodie (fiddle)
* Ralph Mayo (fiddle, guitar)
* Chubby Anthony (fiddle)
* Art Stamper (fiddle)
* Joe Meadows (fiddle)
* Red Stanley (fiddle)
* Don Miller (fiddle)
* Vernon Derrick (fiddle)
* James "Jay" Hughes (bass)
* Ernie Newton (bass)
* Chick Stripling (bass)
* Mike Seeger (bass)
* Bill Napier (guitar, mandolin)
* George Shuffler (guitar, bass)
* Larry Sparks (guitar)
External links
* Ralph Stanley Discography
* Recording of "We Are Going to Paint the Town" from a 1958 Florida radio show (made available for public use by the State Archives of Florida)
* Podcast (mp3) of one of the Stanley Brothers' Suwannee River Jamboree raido show from 1958 (made available for public use by the State Archives of Florida)
Fields Have Turned Brown
The Stanley Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mother and dad said, "Son don't go wrong
Remember that God will always watch over you
And we will be waiting for you here at home"
"Son, don't go astray", was what they both told me
"Remember that love for God can be found"
But now they're both gone, this letter just told me
For many long years I traveled in sorrow
No thoughts of the day when I would return
Now as I go home and find no one waiting
The price I have paid to live and to learn
"Son, don't go astray", was what they both told me
"Remember that love for God can be found"
But now they're both gone, this letter just told me
For years they've been dead, the fields have turned brown
The Stanley Brothers’ song The Fields Have Turned Brown tells the story of a young man who leaves his home to explore the world. His parents warn him to not lose his way and to remember his faith, and their love will welcome him back when he returns. However, when he finally does return, he is met with the news that both of his parents have passed away and the fields that were once flourishing and green have turned brown. The lyrics explore themes of regret and the cost one pays for chasing their dreams, leaving behind the things that truly matter.
The singer’s journey is a common theme in folk and country music, and the lyrics of The Fields Have Turned Brown reflect the hardships and sacrifices made by many who leave their homes to seek a better life. The song is a reminder that the pursuit of one’s dreams can come at a cost, and it is important to remember the ones who love us and the values that shape us. The line, “Remember that love for God can be found”, is a powerful reminder to hold onto faith, hope and love even during the toughest of times.
Overall, The Fields Have Turned Brown is a poignant and heartfelt reflection on the price of seeking one’s destiny, the importance of family, and the power of faith to guide us on our journey through life.
Line by Line Meaning
I left my old home to ramble this country
I left my old home to travel this country aimlessly
My mother and dad said, "Son don't go wrong
My parents warned me to stay on the right path
Remember that God will always watch over you
Remember that God will always protect and guide you
And we will be waiting for you here at home"
And we will be eagerly waiting for you to return home
"Son, don't go astray", was what they both told me
"Son, don't lose your way", was their repeated advice to me
"Remember that love for God can be found"
"Remember to always have faith in God" was their second advice
But now they're both gone, this letter just told me
But now I learned from this letter they have both passed away
For years they've been dead, the fields have turned brown
It has been years since their deaths and the once vibrant fields have died as well
For many long years I traveled in sorrow
I lived a miserable life for many years due to my choices
No thoughts of the day when I would return
I did not consider the day I would return home to see my family again
Now as I go home and find no one waiting
Now as I return home, I find no one waiting for me
The price I have paid to live and to learn
The cost I had to pay for my own mistakes and life lessons
"Son, don't go astray", was what they both told me
"Son, don't lose your way", was their repeated advice to me
"Remember that love for God can be found"
"Remember to always have faith in God" was their second advice
But now they're both gone, this letter just told me
But now I learned from this letter they have both passed away
For years they've been dead, the fields have turned brown
It has been years since their deaths and the once vibrant fields have died as well
Contributed by Reagan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@countrypaul
As of this year (2020), this recording is 70 years old, but except for the low fidelity, the music is timeless. That clear country harmony is an American musical treasure. Thank you for posting this and keeping it available.
@MattRingressi
Never fails to send a big chill down my spine. Carter, Ralph and Pee Wee's vocal blend is pure MAGIC.
@georgemills9947
Time to get these boys in The Country Music Hall Of Fame!
@downandoutbluegrass
This is absolute perfection!!
@richardspaur9707
I love these guys and their music. They are missed, but I’m sure with the lord.
@pennywright1025
One of my favorite songs from Stanley Brothers
@mfisher1952
And they were in their mid-twenties when they sang like that. Truly gifted.
@sawmilljim01
One of my favorites and both Carter and Ralph do such a beautiful rendition.
@bellgab
A true legend in American music. His music endures. RIP
@glennsmith5921
These songs remind me of what the real true values,and priorities in life should be,but at the time your too green to realize it,God,family,great memories,and the fact that Its too late to go back, and show them their worth,happy and sad...God blesses us all!