Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3

Subject: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 22 Aug 01 - 03:00 PM

I just read that Ralph Stanley will be appearing on Letterman on Sept 3rd. The Whites wiil be on too. I would imagine it's because of the popularity of the "O Brother.." soundtrack. Maybe Dr. Ralph will perform O Death, certainly a highlight of the film in my opinion.

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Dharmabum
Date: 22 Aug 01 - 04:46 PM

Thanks for the info Steve.

I'll be sure to tape it.

DB.

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 22 Aug 01 - 08:20 PM

Thanks Steve. The Good Doctor is worth more than all the Lettermans (mens?) in TV land but even on THAT sad excuse for a public forum he'll be worth watching. Watch DL make some sort of stupid rermark if RS DOES sing Oh Death!

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 08:28 AM

Coyote Breath,

You either get Bluegrass or don't. Unfortunately it is the vast majority who don't and they seem to feel the need to pass comments. I fully expect Letterman to say some stupid things, and that a lot of people will find them hilarious.

The good news is that the success of the O Brother soundtrack will bring a lot of people to bluegrass. Some will stay with it as long as it's in fashion, others will stay and help keep it alive.

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Fortunato
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 09:31 AM

One can only hope that Ralph is picking up a nice piece of change for the gig and will sell a few more CDs as a result. Knowing him and his conservative Christian views, I'm surprised he's willing to get involved with Letterman. I don't watch TV and I don't think this is the show to change my mind.

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Armen Tanzerian
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 12:00 PM

I happen to think David Letterman is the best thing to happen to late-night television since Steve Allen. His timing and intelligence are absolutely unique -- he makes Jay Leno, who is in fact a pretty bright guy, look like a Hollywood suck-up. As often as not, Letterman's targets are, for instance, "music-industry weasels". ("It's those dumb silk jackets.")

The hottest live music I have EVER heard on television was Ricky Skaggs on Fender trading solos with Paul Schafer. The only musicians I have ever seen Letterman gently tease were some au courant band that deserved it. ("Do they have that bald singer, Paul? He scares me.") With real musicians, especially roots musicians, I have never seen him be anything but respectful and polite. And bear in mind that in this age of programming to 14-year-olds, not many network shows would have the character to book a Ralph Stanley.

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Benjamin
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 01:39 PM

Why would Ralph not play Letterman because of his "Conservitive Christian Beliefs?" Numerous gossple bands play on letterman. Rev. Al Green has appeared twice on Letterman (that I saw). These people have the same beliefs as Ralph, yet don't seem bothered by the appearence. I have the same beliefs and would love a gig on Letterman. I'm looking foward to seeing Ralph play and I'm sure he'll enjoy the gig as much as anybody. His show is one of the best on at any time of day.

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Fortunato
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 02:42 PM

Oops. I guess I was wrong about Letterman. I should stick to things I know more about. TV isn't one of them. I'm glad you guys set the record straight.

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Mark Clark
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 06:53 PM

I wholeheardedly agree with Armen. Letterman is in the mold of Steve Allen and a great asset to CBS. He's also from Indiana where a great deal of bluegrass is played and enjoyed. I'm guessing Dave is delighted to be featuring both Dr. Stanley and The Whites. Both Letterman and Shaffer who can play/sing and is worthy of respect and who must be endured for the sake of their employers. I'm guessing he'll treat Ralph with dignity and respect.

Thanks, Steve, for posting the news. I don't watch every night and never check to see who's going to be on.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: GUEST,Steve Latimer
Date: 03 Sep 01 - 10:20 PM

In the words of Neil Young (Sorry 'Spaw), Tonight's the Night.

Subject: RE: Ralph Stanley on Letterman Sept 3
From: Armen Tanzerian
Date: 03 Sep 01 - 10:23 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Just in the nicotine, as we used to say. Someone should refresh this for later time zones.