Sad loss: Dottie Rambo Passes Away

It's a sad day. Dottie Rambo, a gospel music legend, has passed away in a tragic bus accident in Missouri.

Reports are limited.

We are saddened by this loss and our deepest sympathies are with the families of all those affected.

We will update as we learn more.

God Bless.

What A Birthday!

My birthday celebration at the Midnite Jamboree!


Wow! What a birthday! Yesterday reminded me of why I like to have birthday celebrations in the first place. Last week started with the random email birthday wishes then cards started showing up in my box. Funny ones, cute ones, then sentimental ones and singing ones, on and on it went. Boy! was I having a good ole time!

One of my favorite cards was from a dear, sweet friend of mine who lives in a group home in Florida for mentally challenged people. Mary writes to me often and sends cards as well, but this one was so special to me. Mary knows I love to cook, so she sent me some of her favorite recipes she had cut out of magazines, all neatly folded with a little note inside saying she hoped I would enjoy making all her favorite dishes. I could not have been more touched. Of course, I gave Mary a call so she could wish me Happy Birthday. The week before she had sent me the soundtrack album for the Passion Of the Christ, which by the way, is still in my cd player in the car. Need I say more, Mary and I are totally connected.

Another very special gift was a slide show put together by a sweet friend of mine, Michelle. It was pictures she had collected off of our web site and from many other friends and other sites. It was so well done and I was very touched. I can see a future in film production for Michelle someday if she stays in school and really makes the right connections in the film industry. I was amazed at her talent and eye for production . You go Michelle. Thanks for all your hard work on the sweet project for me. I will treasure it always.

I usually reserve the entire month of May to celebrate my birthday and I know a lot of May babies. They are all special people and it just so happens my son's girlfriend shares my birthday. We had a great evening together having dinner at one of the neatest spots in town. I love the digital picture frame they gave me and have it running constantly.

To all the myspace friends who are having birthdays this month-----Happy Birthday!!!!

I loved all the singing left on my cell phone----some of you should sing more often and some of you should just reserve it for birthday celebrations only. Just kidding! Over all, This was one of the best birthdays I have had in a while, at least since last year.

It's not just about my birthday, but every one as well. I have always made a big deal out of them because it is your one special holiday to celebrate just as you like. So I recommend you do as I do and try a new way of celebrating your birthday every year. Thanks everyone for all the love. I felt it.

Love ya,

Stella.

I was thrilled to sing at Dr. Ralph Stanley's 81st birthday party in Kingsport, Tennessee a couple of weeks ago. I have always had such high regard for Dr. Stanley and the musical contribution he has made to Bluegrass music throughout his life and the effect on those who listened to his music.

Freddie Phillips, the man who asked me to join Dr. Stanley's birthday bash, suggested that I use the ETSU Bluegrass Band as my band. They backed Porter Wagoner and Alison Krauss last year, so I figured they must be pretty good.

We sent a CD and charts for seven songs. I expected that they would learn at least three or four of my songs leaving me the remainder to perform by myself. Boy, was I surprised! From the time we walked in to do rehearsal and sound check, each student in the band displayed a high degree of professionalism and skill.

We ran through my material only once and made a couple of minor adjustments. The band played with soul and precision.

However, I was still apprehensive. Under these circumstances, people get rattled when playing new material. Fortunately, Raymond McLain, their music professor, was in charge. He played upright bass. I worked with Raymond once in the studio with Jessie McReynolds (of Jim and Jessie fame); Jessie had invited me to sing harmony on an album a few years ago. Raymond is a musical genius and uses his talents teaching these kids.

These kids performed masterfully. I was in awe of their gifts, their attitudes, and their skills. Everything went great. I could not have been more pleased with the musical outcome.

The ETSU kids performed and incredible show themselves. Everyone was entertained and totally impressed. So often we hear how bad younger people behave, but I just want to say these kids will restore your faith in the "younger generation". So just for the record, if you get a chance to hear these kids I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

Professor Raymond McLain, his incredible assistant, Daniel Boner and the ETSU Bluegrass Band (Haley Stiltner, Sara Needham, Leah Needham, Leona Tokutake, John Mooneyham, Colby Laney, David Grindstaff, Zack Fanok, Abe Spear) are keeping bluegrass music alive and well in Tennessee.

Rebecca Lynn Howard was also a featured performer at the birthday party and gave a fantastic performance. What a talented young artist!

Stella., Rebecca Lynn Howard & The ETSU Bluegrass Band