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

There Is A Fungus Among Us!

In early January a story appeared in a tabloid about Dolly and me. The article contained very unflattering photos of me and Dolly. The article was rather negative and falsely painted me as a rather small and hateful person. At first I was very hurt over the way I was portrayed, since I take great pains to be as positive as I can be. I make every effort to be supportive of all my family and close friends. To have an image contrary to one's efforts and demeanor is rather jarring.

In an effort to set the record straight, I give you the following facts as I recall them.

A number of months ago I received a phone call at my office requesting an interview. I was out of town when the call came. As so frequently happens, I failed to return the call within the time the reporter required. Unfortunately, instead of waiting to hear back from me, the reporter chose to use information from a "biographer" from Great Britain, instead of getting information from a direct source.

The "biographer," who interviewed me for a very short time at the Country Music Hall Of Fame last summer, came across as arrogant, ugly, and rude; that is not uncommon in this business. I answered a few of his questions, but cut it short when he began guiding the interview to matters I felt were inappropriate and ill-conceived. He did not like the fact that I would not provide him with salacious details or information that would sell his "biography."

I recall leaving the interview and telling my assistant that this would not turn out well, since I didn't give the man the lurid information that he was certain existed. His questions were beyond the pale of decency and I felt rather uncomfortable with his manner and approach.
I have encountered this before and my family has been subjected to this sort of outrageousness many times in the past.

I later encountered this deceitful article in my exercise class. Someone brought the article in for everyone to read. It never ceases to amaze me at how quick people are to believe the worst out of you, especially when it's not true. Fortunately one individual took me aside after a week or so and told me about the article and offered her support. I appreciated her kindness and her efforts on my behalf. Usually people will just let you suffer in silence.
Human nature seems to gravitate to gossip. It's very likely that much of the drivel about Britney Spears is fabricated to sell copy.

My brother Randy had a legal situation a few months ago in a business deal that went bad. The press painted him as the one in the wrong. Needless to say, no one made a big deal of the outcome of this situation when he was exonerated. His reputation and credibility were damaged nonetheless. Our family felt that each one of us had been attacked and suffered right along with him through it all.

No one is perfect, but the next time you read a negative story about someone you know, just ask yourself: "How true is this garbage?"This is a form of character assassination in the most cowardly way. This is why I call my little rant "There is a fungus among us" fungus usually grows on garbage.

Love ya,

Stella.

Remembering...

This has been a time of reflection for me, prompted by the observance of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. I remember where I was when we heard he had been shot. My mom, two of my sisters, Cassie and Willadeene, and I were leaving the Starday recording studio on Dickerson Road in Nashville that evening. We were recording the gospel album "In The Garden".

As we drove away from the studio, we heard over the car radio that Dr. King had been shot. We were greatly saddened by this tragedy. Mama talked about Corretta Scott King being left alone to raise her children. Someone with Dr. King's desire to help the downtrodden being so violently taken from his mission affected us all profoundly.

To this day, I wonder what would have happened if Dr. King had survived. With the greatness that his short life engendered, I wonder what his life would have entailed had the assassins bullet not taken his life?

The music of that time was reflected in the struggle of people. Johnny Cash recorded a live album at Folsom Prison which becomes a big hit. Elvis Presley made a comeback, Janis Joplin was huge and so was Jimi Hendrix. James Brown sang,"Say It Loud- I'm Black and I'm Proud". The Vietnam war raged on. My son was born in November of that year. And Judy Collins' song "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" was a hit.

Oh well, it has been quite a ride.

Little did I know that with the invention of the first word processor at Stanford University that same eventful year that we would be taken over by computers. Shucks, I can't even find spell check on this thing. Oh well, just remembering.

Love ya,

Stella.

Exciting Times & Good Music!

This is an exciting time for me! We just launched the newly revised web site and have been getting tremendous response. Thanks for checking it out.

I am so thrilled to be offering the "Virtuous Woman" song to radio which, by the way is already getting airplay. Thanks for calling the stations and asking them to play it for Mother's Day and don't forget to come to the homepage to download it for your mom. She'll be pleased as punch and may even make your favorite dessert. There is no telling what she may do if you win her the robe or throw. They really are pretty. I have the throw on my sofa and love the rich red color.

I have been invited to sing at Dr. Ralph Stanley's surprise birthday party next week in Kingsport, Tennessee. This should be a lot of fun and good music.


Soon we will be putting the tour schedule on stellaparton.com so keep checking in. I have a lot of exciting things in the works and don't want you to miss out.


Make sure to email your friends and let them know about the "Big Give" on my new web site.

Love ya,

Stella.