Concerts, News

KY Music Hall of Fame to host Ernie Thacker benefit

KY Music Hall of Fame will be hosting a benefit for Ernie Thacker on February 24th.

The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame will be the venue for a benefit concert hosted by Elk Ridge Bluegrass Band to benefit Ernie Thacker, former lead singer for Ralph Stanley. Kristi Stanley and Running Blind will be preforming as well as Col. Dreyden Gorden.

Admission is FREE and all donations go to benefit Ernie Thacker for medial costs.

Richard Thompson from Bluegrass Today recently wrote about Ernie Thacker and his medical issues:

In November last year (2017) we were distressed to have to pass on the tragic news that Ernie Thacker, only 45 years old, had been given news that the osteomyelitis, the rare bone disease that he had been diagnosed as having, has spread out of control, affecting the lower half of his body, including his spine, and is terminal.

The former lead-singer for bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, joining the Clinch Mountain Boys at the age of 16, Thacker does not have any life insurance, causing the Thacker family considerable financial distress.

Many will recall that Thacker was seriously injured in an auto accident in April 2006, leaving him paralyzed. One of his legs was amputated shortly afterwards. He has been in and out of hospital repeatedly since then.

His wife Karen has given up her life for the last four-years to be by my side and taking care of me 24/7. Thus, there is little or no income.

As is so commonplace, the bluegrass community has joined forces to organize benefits for Thacker and his family. “

For more information on the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in Renfro Valley, be sure to check out their website.  You can also follow Ernie Thacker’s Journey by visiting his Facebook page.