Go Dr. Ralph!

I am really surprised to hear that bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley is recording commercials for Barack Obama that will be shown in southwest Virginia. Bluegrass musicians are hardly known for their political liberalism, particularly those who grew up in Appalachia. For example, Ricky Skaggs was an active campaigner for Pat Robertson in 1988, when Skaggs had switched over to country and was one of the biggest music stars in the nation. Ira Louvin was a noted racist. Etc. Etc.

If I had ever thought about Stanley's political leanings, I just would have assumed he was a right-winger. But I guess I am wrong. He doesn't just Democrats, their race doesn't matter to him. And this from an old man from rural Virginia. Awesome.