Stanley was in the Tennessee State University church choir, the Concert Singers, and the Men's Glee Club, 1965-69. He played sousaphone, 1965-67. In 1968 and 69 he was chosen Drum-Major for the band. In 1970 he was DM as a graduate assistant and created the dance routines for the band. Stanley is a member Beta Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Eta Xi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, Inc.
In 1970, Stanley traveled and performed in the Tennessee State players Guild USO show "Rhythm Time" throughout Germany and The Netherlands as a dancer and solo act. Stanley has written over 500 original songs. From 1968 through 1974 he traveled and performed with his band and other bands as lead singer. He and his band opened up for blues singers Jeter Davis, Dee Dee Warwick, and at Fisk University, he opened up for the (Cowboys to Girl's) group The Intruders. He has produced and arranged background vocals for numerous professional artists, including the million-seller blues singer Rubye (It's All Over Casanova) Andrews. He also sang background for blues artist Elvin Spencer, Hubert Hunter, and other artists through working with Nashville's own, producer Ted Jarrett. Stanley has written gospel songs that have been performed by church choirs in Nashville, Mt. Juliet, and Washington, DC, as well as solo artist Shari Bardo and recording artist The CBS singers (McCrary family). Stanley was choir director for the Lake Providence Missionary Baptist young adult and youth choir for a number of years. He has two songs, one R&B and one Christmas song that was released by the 80's million-seller R&B group The Ebonys. Stanley also performed as a dancer, duet and solo act in the Nashville musical show, Smoking Joe's Cafe.
Stanley wrote and performed with the gospel group "Arthur Henderson and Exodus." Stanley was the 1992 NAACP National Convention co-choir music director for over 400 non-denominational choir members. He was the coordinator for all music performers for all activities during the convention week in Nashville, TN. In a show at a local club after the mic was passed, Stanley was asked to come to the stage and ended up singing background with the great Tony Bennett, who was a friend of the headliner for the show. He also shared the big tent a one-time event with country singer Johnny Cash for a political rally. Stanley wrote, produced, and performed the song "Benjamin" that was performed by "Arthur Henderson and Exodus." The lyrics and music were presented to Dr. Benjamin Hooks and his wife as a retirement gift at the 1992 NAACP National Convention.
