Song of the Mountains proudly joins the tradition of dynamic performances, historic venues and gifted musicians native to the Appalachians and Blue Ridge Highlands. The Lincoln Theatre, in particular, showcased many regional talents as they began their careers in mountain music.

In 1947 alone, Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs and the great bluegrass fiddle player Chubby Wise appeared at The Lincoln Theatre and went on to become household names. 

The legend-building continued on April 1, 1948 when the very young Carter and Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys played onstage at The Lincoln Theatre.

After the death of his brother Carter in 1966, Ralph Stanley stayed in the business and became an American icon and legend in his own right. In November 2005, Dr. Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys made a return appearance to a sold-out crowd at The Lincoln Theatre, where he recalled the 1948 show with fondness and grace.

Other well-known acts at The Lincoln Theatre--such as Roy Acuff and his Smokey Mountain Boys (1948)--developed loyal followings over their long careers.  More Grand Ole Opry stars such as Uncle Dave Macon, Little Jimmy Dickens, Stringbean, Lonzo and Oscar, and Ernest Tubb also made appearances.  Perhaps the most sentimental musical act ever on stage at The Lincoln Theatre was that of Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters in 1951.