My Life & Legacy: Very Best of Ralph [CD], Ralph Stanley, CD

2014 collection of the bluegrass legend's most popular recordings including 'Man of Constant Sorrow', 'Oh Death', old ballads like 'Pretty Polly', 'John Henry', 'Hemlocks and Primroses' and 'Little Glass of Wine'. Other gems here include the ever popular 'Train 45', 'Little Maggie', 'Rocky Island' and 'Dream of a Miner's Child'. His dynamic banjo picking is heard on 'Old Time Picking, his own classic tune 'Clinch Mountain Back step' and his signature piece 'Little Birdie' in all it's frail glory. 'Bootleg John' and 'Katy Daley' are later songs that Ralph has added to his repertoire. Much of Dr. Ralph's recorded output over the years has consisted of sacred and gospel music, such as the haunting 'I've Just Seen the Rock of Ages' and the classic 'Amazing Grace' here 'lined out' in the a cappella style learned in his childhood in rural Virginia churches. And collectors will be glad to find the bonus track 'Single Girl, Married Girl' an old Carter Family song that was a favorite of Ralph's late brother Carter.