I only saw one performance by Ralph Stanley so far as I know, and that one on television, but it was a good one to watch. It was some years ago at the Grammy awards; he sang “Oh Death” a capella, just him and a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, a mic, and a spotlight. He was the very sound and embodiment of the topic. I believe this video is that performance; sure fits my memory, but there are apparently more than a few performances of that tune by him going around. Anyway, this performance is killer. I’ve never heard anything more plainly stated and emotional than Stanley’s take on this song.
