Bluegrass great Ralph Stanley's mournful performance of 'O Death' earned him a Grammy in 2002 for best male country performance, but the honor was apparently accompanied by a case of sour grapes. CMT reports that in his upcoming autobiography, 'Man of Constant Sorrow: The Life and Times of a Music Legend,' Ralph alleges that his fellow nominee Tim McGraw, who was -- perhaps ironically -- nominated for 'Grown Men Don't Cry,' was disrespectful toward him following his win. He's also quoted as saying of Tim, "He wouldn't know a real country song if it kicked him in the ass."The 82-year-old's memoir details his seven decades in the music business, ranging from his work with brother Carter as the Stanley Brothers, to his involvement in the hugely successful film, 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'
Among the more amusing revelations in the book is the fact that the late Keith Whitley, who was a member (along with Ricky Skaggs) in Ralph's band, the Clinch Mountain Boys, would style Ralph's hair before they hit the concert stage.
'Man of Constant Sorrow: The Life and Times of a Music Legend,' which is due in stores October 15, was written with Eddie Dean and published by Gotham Books.
Reader Comments(1 of 9)
Gracie7073at 7-30-2009
Sounds like Tim has the same problem his wife has a big fat head and ego!!!!! (remember carrie underwoods win)
bmwlady101at 7-30-2009
Gracie you are so correct, I remember watching that award show when Faith did not win, and seeing her reaction was needless today not very classy. Nothing more un-appealing or attractive then a SORE LOSER and for the world to see. Have not been able to watch her since, it was really sad to see that she EXPECTED to win.
Dougat 7-30-2009
I agree with you totally, It's so obvious that they both have enough ego for everyone. I use to be a Tim McGraw fan until a couple years ago when they(he and his wife) scheduled a concert in Knoxville and they made the price so HIGH that it was ridiculous. It seems that most of Knoxville agreed with me, because they had to cancel the concert because they didn't sell enough tickets.
schexjimat 7-30-2009
Tim McGraw cant sing!!!! All of his songs are manufactured in a studio. The only thing he has going for him is his hot wife! I feel like starting a new non-fan called the Tim McGraw Sucks Club. I wish I could meet him face to face to tell him exactly how untalented he really is. Look him up on youtube a listen to him sing in his collage play. He Sucks!!!!!
clineedieat 7-30-2009
collage? did you mean college?
Angelikaat 7-30-2009
Funny that you say his songs are manufactured in a studio, because all songs are made in a studio, but Tim and his band are very talented. He was one of the first Country singers to use his own band instead of studio bands. I have been a fan of Tim McGraw for years and have been fortunate enough to see him in concert at least 26 times and he is a very talented singer. As well as being humble, he is someone who cares about his fans. To me it sounds like this Ralph Stanley (whomever he is), is just mainly sour about not having the huge career that Tim McGraw has. As for you and the rest of ignorant idiots that claim he can't sing, let's see how well you can sing.
rojohawk7at 7-30-2009
One of the first to use his own band?
CAN YOU SAY WAYLON JENNINGS ???
tolchocksat 7-30-2009
Schexjim---You're grossly misinformed,buddy.It's true that back in the '50s and '60s,and even into the '70s that studio musicians played on "all" the tracks in this town(Nashville).But the "outlaws" brought their own bands or formed them to break the studios' hold over the artists and what they could produce and how they would produce it.Ironically, a lot of the Nashville session players went out to California and played on most of the rock hits of the Psychedelic '60s and '70s.
tolchocksat 7-30-2009
Sorry shexjim--I meant that Angelika was the misinformed one,but when I scrolled up to see who I was replying to,I saw your tag as the original post and replied to you instead of Angelika.The fault is entirely mine.
RUSS THE GREATat 7-30-2009
i'm 42 yrs. old and i have no idea who ralph stanley is ! how is he writing a book, calling himself a music legend, if no one knows who he is ? not that i care about tim mcgraw all that much,but, he has some good tunes.
Breeat 7-30-2009
Stanley is a music legend, hes been on the scene for many many decades, you may not know him due to his style, his music is more bluegrass then country. You should remember the music from O' Brother where out thou. I knew Ralph Stanley before I had even heard of Tim Mcgraw or Faith Hill, however I like all 3.
Hogsfansat 7-30-2009
You're obviously not a true country music fan if you don't know who Ralph Stanley is or atleast heard his name to say the least! I'm only 29 and I know who Ralph Stanley is & definitely know he's country music legend....your post should be completely ignored! I'm sure if any actual country singers saw what you've posted, they're either rolling their eye's or laughing at you for being such a MORON! Why don't you go learn a little about the legends in country music before you claim to be a fan!
ecoairmanat 7-30-2009
Ralph Stanley is arguably one of the greatest Blue Grass musicians of all time. If Bill Monroe is the father of Blue Grass, then Ralph Stanley is the Uncle of Blue Grass. He has received an honorary doctorate's degree for his contrabutions to American folk music. Right now, I doubt if I could name more than a few currently active Rock musicians, but I can rattle off dozens of Blue Grass and Old Time musicians........ it's just whatever one is interested in. Give me the fiddle, bass fiddle, dulcimer, dobro, guitar, autoharp & banjo and I'm in hog heaven!
deborah121at 7-30-2009
You have to be kidding! Ralph Stanley is a music legend. Although not a fan of his style of music I appreciate what he has contributed to the world of music. The sound tract for O' Brother Where Art Thou is his band. This man is a true giant in the field. As for Tim McGraw, sure he might be able to sing, but your actions speak louder. Sounds like he is taking lessons from his wife on how not to react when you lose. And before you say, Oh but she was just joking, no way was that said in a playful, joking way!
Teresa Brinkerat 7-30-2009
I agree with you 100%. I too am 42 and don't have a clue who this guy is. Yep he's a legend alright. Maybe in his own mind.