Pray for the Boys (Rebel CD 1687, 1991) was recorded December 5, 1990, at Maggard Sound Studio in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and released as a direct response to U.S. troop deployments ahead of Operation Desert Storm — a gospel album framed as a prayer for soldiers overseas. Ernie Thacker handles lead vocals, backed by Ralph Stanley (banjo), Curly Ray Cline (fiddle), Jack Cooke (bass), and J.T. Gray. Jon Randall Stewart — later known as a country songwriter and for his work with Emmylou Harris's Nash Ramblers — appears in a guest capacity during his early Nashville years. The album's topical urgency gave it broader airplay than a typical Stanley gospel release.
Tracklist
- 1 Pray For The Boys 2:25
- 2 Old Man Death 2:40
- 3 Looking Through A Spiritual Window 2:32
- 4 Wayfaring Stranger alt version 3:57
- 5 City Of Gold 2:44
- 6 Give Me Wings 1:52
- 7 God's Great Chariot 2:04
- 8 Searching For A Soldier's Grave 2:42
- 9 He Keeps Leading Me On 1:41
- 10 Beautiful Brown Eyes alt version 1:57
- 11 Snap A Finger, Jesus 2:40
- 12 Look What I've Traded 2:29
