Ernest Stoneman was a carpenter and one-time Fries mill hand. He was at first a solo artist, accompanying himself on autoharp, harmonica, and guitar. He continued as a carpenter, recording part-time, and did little touring. But recording pay was relatively good in the mid-1920s, and he soon brought many great local string band musicians to early sessions.

The Great Depression ended this, and Stoneman moved his large family to the Washington, DC area. They were part-time performers, contest winners, and local artists there until the 1960s when they relocated to Nashville, caught the national ear for a decade on television as The Stonemans, and began far-ranging tours.

They made fine recordings, but are best remembered for consummate showmanship. The children of Ernest and Hattie Frost Stoneman (a fiddler and singer) were brilliant in their ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Ernest died in 1968, but daughters Patsy and Roni and brothers Van and Jimmie continued to perform.

Brother Scott is legendary among fiddlers, and all of the Stonemans, past and present, are respected. Roni Stoneman continues as a delightful comic, and Patsy Stoneman keeps the family legacy.