News

On February 13, 2008, Marty and Connie donated personal items to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Click here to enjoy photographs from the event and to see a list of items they donated.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the February 8, 2008 Grand Ole Opry. They opened the segment with "Freight Train Boogie." Marty joined the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band during their performance and special guest Kayton Roberts played steel guitar on "The Waltz You Saved For Me." Marty and the Superlatives closed out the segment with "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven."
Compadres: An Anthology of Duets came in at #6 on the Americana Music Association's list of Top Albums of 2007. The San Antonio Express-News lists the album at #3 of the Best Country Albums of 2007 (tied with Porter Wagoner's Wagonmaster, which Marty produced). It was also listed on their Best Real-Deal Country list.
Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives performed "It Ain't Right" and "Back To The Country" on the Friday, January 18, 2008 Grand Ole Opry. Marty hosted the segment which also featured Connie Smith singing "Where Is My Castle" and "Down In The Valley."
On Saturday, January 19, 2008, Marty hosted the TV portion airing on GAC which featured the induction of Charlie Daniels as the newest Opry member. Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives performed "Country Boy Rock and Roll" and "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'." Marty then joined Connie on "Your Tender Loving Care" and Charlie Daniels on "Long Haired Country Boy." After inducting Charlie into the Grand Ole Opry, Connie and Marty joined Charlie on "Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye." Trace Adkins and Montgomery Gentry joined the group for "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."

Marty also hosted a segment on the second show where he and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "Dearest Darling." Marty once again joined Charlie Daniels on "Long Haired Country Boy." Marty and the Superlatives closed out the segment with "Me, Hank and Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Homesick." Click here to view photos.
From 2007
Marty is now hosting a weekly show called "Marty Stuart's American Odyssey" on XM Radio Channel 10 on Friday mornings at 8:00 a.m. ET. The show also airs all day every day on Channel XM2. Click here to read the Press Release from XM.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the December 15, 2007 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "You Know It Ain't Right" and "Mystery Train." On the second show, they performed "Bluegrass Breakdown" and "The Uncloudy Day." Marty also joined Connie on "Away In A Manger" and joined the legendary George Jones on "She Thinks I Still Care."
According to Country Weekly, Marty treated some folks from The Bridge Ministry in Nashville to a few of his favorite Christmas carols under the Jefferson Street Bridge in downtown Nashville. Click here to see the picture.
We are saddened by the news of the passing of country music and Grand Ole Opry legend Porter Wagoner on October 28, 2007. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Thankfully, Porter was able to record one last incredible album, produced by Marty. Marty had this to say about Porter: "Losing Porter is going to take a whole lot of getting used to as he's been a part of my life for so long. I grew up watching his television show in Mississippi, and it was as if he were a member of our family. After I got to know him, he was."

"He was a masterful showman, who understood the art of the final act. He left the world on top. Some of the things that soften the blow of his passing are all the memories from the past year. We made a wonderful record together that got him lots of acclaim, he celebrated his 50th anniversary with the Grand Ole Opry, he had a new generation of kids in love with him and his music, the awards were coming, the Martin Guitar Company had named a guitar in his honor and he was asked to light the nation's Christmas tree at the Pageant of Peace celebration in Washington, D.C. next month. One of the last things he said to me was, 'You're gonna' have to call the President and tell him I won't be able to sing him any Christmas songs this year. Maybe next year.' "
Marty inducted Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
On October 3, the Country Music Association surprised Marty with the Joe Talbot Award in recognition of his work in collecting and preserving country music memorabilia. Marty said, "I stopped off the bus [in Nashville] when I was 13 years old for a weekend and never went home. I dedicated my life to it. I love this music. We are a family." Click here to read an article about the surprise.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the September 15 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show they performed "Hillbilly Highway" and "The Unseen Hand." On the second show, they performed "Luther Played the Boogie Woogie" and "Walls of a Prison." Marty and the band then headed over to the Texas Troubadour Theatre where Marty hosted the Midnite Jamboree.
Check out The Marty Curse, a great article by Cindy Dong.
About.com lists Marty at #69 of the 100 Country Music Artists of All Time.
Marty was nominated for an International Bluegrass Music Association award for Recorded Event of the Year for his performance on the Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby album.
Check out LaDonna Cable's fabulous pictures from the show at the Greene County Fair on August 7.
Marty and Connie kicked off a series of Twangin' Tuesdays at the Tennessee State Museum, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville on August 21, 2007.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed a mandolin instrumental and "Angels Rock Me To Sleep" on the Friday, June 22, 2007 Grand Ole Opry.
Marty hosted a ceremony honoring Dolly Parton, Don Williams, Harlan Howard, Jack Lameier, Buck Owens, and Waylon Jennings at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville on June 20, 2007. Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed an instrumental song and Connie Smith sang "The Key's in the Mailbox." Marty's exhibit called "Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart's American Musical Odyssey" served as the back drop.
The 2007 Late Night Jam was incredible, as always. Artists performing include Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives, Porter Wagoner, Pam Tillis. John Rich, Charley Pride, Neko Case, Pam Tillis, Eric Church, Ashley Monroe, John Stone, Barbara Fairchild, Chuck Mead, and Raul Malo. Click here to see LaDonna Cable's photos from the Jam.
June was a big month for Marty. Not only has Compadres: An Anthology of Duets been released, but a new book of photographs Marty has taken called Country Music - The Masters (featuring Johnny Cash on the cover) was also released on June 5. This book is only available through Marty's official website. The cost is $110 plus $20 for shipping.
It was a special night at the Saturday, May 19, 2007 Grand Ole Opry as Porter Wagoner was honored for his 50 years as an Opry member. Marty hosted an hour of both shows with a stellar lineup. Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed "Barefoot Nellie" with special guests Buck Trent and Stuart Duncan. Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton performed tributes to Porter. Porter joined Dolly on "Just Someone I Used To Know" and Dolly closed with "I Will Always Love You."
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Saturday, April 21, 2007 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "Long Black Veil" and Kenny Vaughan sang "Country Music's Got A Hold On Me." Marty also joined Porter Wagoner on "Bury Me Beneath The Willow." On the second show, they performed "It Ain't Right" and Marty joined Porter on "Misery Loves Company."
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Saturday, April 14, 2007 Grand Ole Opry. Legendary guitar player James Burton joined them on stage. They performed "In The Pines" and "Country Boy Rock and Roll" on the first show and "Homesick" and "Hillbilly Rock" on the second show. Marty also joined Porter Wagoner on "Misery Loves Company."
Marty and Connie watched helplessly as fire consumed the lakefront home of the late June and Johnny Cash on April 10, 2007. The home, now owned by Barry Gibb of the BeeGees, was a total loss.
Marty joined rock 'n roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, gospel music greats The Williams Brothers, jam band blues-rock sensations The North Mississippi All Stars as well as Swedish pop music superstar Carola and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour on April 26 to bring home the message of Mississippi's ongoing "Birthplace of America's Music" for at a gala Celebrating a 50=Year Grammy Legacy.
Marty is producing Kathy Mattea's upcoming album called Coal.
Marty was a guest speaker at the Tennessee Association of Museum's annual meeting in Murfreesboro, TN.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Friday, March 2, 2007 Grand Ole Opry. Songs included "Too Much Month (at the End of the Money)" with Porter Wagoner joining them on "Men With Broken Hearts" and "A Satisfied Mind."
The Nashville Scene's Seventh Annual Country Music Critics' Poll listed Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives at #5 for Best Live Act and at #7 for Best Groups and Duos.
Marty's new project up for release in June 2007 is Compadres: An Anthology of Duets. Singing partners will include Loretta Lynn, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, Travis Tritt, B.B. King, The Staple Singers, Mavis Staples and others.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Saturday, January 13, 2007 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they sang "Streamline Lover" and "Standing In The Need Of Prayer." On the second show, they sang "Angels Watch Over Me" and a bluegrass version of the Bee Gee's "Stayin' Alive."
The January 7, 2007 edition of The Tennessean featured an article on Porter Wagoner's upcoming album. Click here to read the article with a lot of quotes from the album's producer -- Marty.
From 2006
According to an article written by Ed Morris, 2007 will be a busy year for Marty. He plans to release four albums: another gospel album, a compilation of duets Marty's recorded over the past 20 years, a collection titled Mississippi and another called Country Boy Rock "N" Roll. Upcoming book releases include Long Journey Home, (a photo documentary by Bill Thorup for which Marty will write the text), Blue Line Hot Shots (Marty's pictures of "eccentric characters on the backroads"), Country Music: The Masters, which covers the "golden era" of country music that Marty began photographing when he was 13, Signs of Our Times (pictures of church signs across America), The Marty Stuart Collection (photographs of some of Marty's most remarkable music memorabilia, and Badlands (portraits of the Lakota Sioux and their surroundings on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota).
Congratulations to Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives on their Grammy nomination in the Best Bluegrass Album category for Live at the Ryman.
Click here to check out CMT's Studio 330 session with Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlative.
Congratulations to Kenny Vaughan on winning Instrumentalist of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th Annual Americana Music and Awards show on Friday, September 22, 2006. According to Marty, "If Kenny were a car, he'd be a Nash Metropolitan. If he were fabric, he'd no doubt be sharkskin." Marty also called Kenny "a genius who does most of his thinking with his heart."
Marty hosted the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards on September 28, 2006 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
On Monday, September 11, 2006, Marty hosted a portion of the Nashville Chamber Orchestra's season-opening Gala event held at the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Click here to read all about the evening and view pictures of Marty and Connie.
The September 2006 issue of Guitar Player Magazine features a nice interview with Marty and Kenny Vaughan. Click here to read it.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the August 18, 2006 Grand Ole Opry. They performed "It Ain't Right" and "In The Pines."
Marty was nominated for a 2006 Inspirational Country Music Award for Musician of the Year. Connie was nominated for the Living Legend award.
Marty's Fifth Annual Late Night Jam was a lot of fun. Click here to check out the pictures and reviews.
Earl Scruggs joined Marty on the May 26, 2006 Grand Ole Opry, performing "Cripple Creek," "Cry, Cry, Cry" and "Foggy Mountain Breakdown.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed "The Heartbreak Kind" and "Great Big Woman (and Little Bitty Bottle of Wine)" on the Friday, May 5, 2006 Grand Ole Opry.
Marty hosted the 9 p.m. segment of the Friday, April 21, 2006 Grand Ole Opry. He and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "A Satisfied Mind" and "Luther Played the Boogie Woogie."
Marty hosted the televised portion of the February 4, 2006 Grand Ole Opry, opening with "Orange Blossom Special." The Fabulous Superlatives backed Mary Gauthier and Marty joined her on "Mercy Now." Marty, Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless sang "A Lonesome River" in honor of Louise Scruggs. Joined by Charlie Cushman and Michael Cleveland, Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "Shuckin' The Corn." Porter Wagoner joined Marty and the Superlatives on "Be Careful of the Stones That You Throw" and Marty joined Charley Pride on "All I Have to Offer You is Me." Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives closed out the segment with a bluegrass version of "Hillbilly Rock." On the second show, they performed "Cry, Cry, Cry" and a bluegrass instrumental.
Souls' Chapel was nominated for a Gospel Music Association Award in the Country Album of the Year category.
The Nashville Scene's Country Music Critics Poll lists Marty #2 on the Artist of the Year list (Lee Ann Womack came in #1). Marty was #3 on the Male Vocalist list behind Gary Allan and Dwight Yoakam. Marty came in #3 on the Live Acts behind Keith Urban and Alison Krauss and Union Station. Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives came in at #5 on the Duos and Groups list. Kenny Vaughan came in #4 on the Instrumentalist list (Keith Urban came in 5th). Marty's Souls' Chapel album came in at #4 and Badlands came in at #32.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the January 14, 2006 Grand Ole Opry. The first show they performed "Luther Played the Boogie Woogie" and "Paul and Silas." The second show they performed "The Heartbreak Kind" and "Take the Lord With You (Wherever You Go)."
John Dunn with the Times Record lists the Best Country Artist: "Marty Stuart. As an all-around performer, the Grand Ole Opry star’s responsible for two of the best albums of 2005 — Souls’ Chapel and Badlands. He’s a man on a mission." He also lists the Best Country Band of the Year: "Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. The boys bring to mind the creative camaraderie and versatility of Buck Owens and the Buckaroos in the 1960s."
From 2005
Souls' Chapel and Badlands are appearing on many of the Best Albums of 2005 lists. Click here to read what they are saying.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the December 9, 2005 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "The Gospel Story of Noah's Ark" and "Somebody Saved Me" and on the second show, they performed "Tempted" and "Even Santa Claus Gets The Blues."
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the December 3, 2005 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "Freight Train Boogie" and had Porter Wagoner join them on "Be Careful of the Stones That You Throw." Porter invited Marty back to close out the segment with "Misery Loves Company." On the second show, they performed "Freight Train Boogie" and an instrumental version of "A Food Such As I."
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "Badlands" and "Casino" on the first show on the November 26, 2005 Grand Ole Opry and "It Takes One To Know One" and "Country Boy Rock and Roll" on the second show.
Marty hosted a tribute on November 13, 2005 to the late George Day, a photographer from Philadelphia, Mississippi. The event featured numerous portraits by Day. Click here to read more about the day.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Friday and Saturday night Grand Ole Opry (Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2005). Friday night, they performed "Now That's Country" and "Way Down." Saturday night, Marty inducted Dierks Bentley as the newest Opry member. Marty and the Superlatives performed "Rock Island Line," "Cry To Me," and Dierks joined them on "Doin' My Time." On the second show, they performed "Country Boy Rock and Roll" and "I Can't Even Walk (Without You Holding My Hand."
Marty hosted two hours of the Tuesday night (Sept. 27, 2005) Grand Ole Opry which benefited the American Red Cross. Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "Country Boy Rock and Roll," "There's A Rainbow At The End Of Every Storm" and "The Unseen Hand."
Click here to listen to an interview with Marty and songs performed live from Souls' Chapel that aired on September 22, 2005 on National Public Radio (thanks, Karen Ross).
On September 9, 2005, Marty was honored by the Americana Music Association with their Lifetime Achievement Award (Performer).
Marty and Travis Tritt performed "The Whiskey Ain't Workin' " on CMT's 100 Greatest Duets. The song came in at #12 on the countdown.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Saturday, September 3, 2005 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "The Gospel Story of Noah's Ark" and "The Unseen Hand." On the second show, they performed "It's Time To Go Home" and "There's a Rainbow at the End of Every Storm."
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "The Weight" and "Somebody Saved Me" on the Friday, August 26, 2005 Grand Ole Opry.
Marty surprised country star Dierks Bentley at his House of Blues show in Los Angeles on July 26, 2005 with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Dierks will join the Opry Family on October 1.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville announced July 21, 2005 that the company has signed a publishing agreement with Marty. Click here to read more about it.
Check out CMT's 20 Questions With Marty Stuart.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the July 9, 2005 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they sang "Hillbilly Rock" and "Homesick." On the second show, Marty invited Ronnie McCoury on stage and they performed a mandolin instrumental. Marty and the band sang "The Unseen Hand" which is on their upcoming album, Souls' Chapel.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the July 1 and 2, 2005 Grand Ole Opry. On Friday, Marty and the band performed "Rock Island Line" and "Farmer's Blues." On Saturday, they performed "Now That's Country" and "Luther Played the Boogie Woogie" on the first show and "Country Boy Rock and Roll" and "Somebody Saved Me" on the second show.
Check out the review and pictures of Marty's Late Night Jam.
On May 11, 2005, Universal South Entertainment announced Superlatone Records imprint from Marty. First release will be Souls' Chapel, an 11-song gospel collection due out the end of August. Upcoming releases include Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives Live at the Ryman (from their July 24, 2003 bluegrass concert). Also slated to be released is Badlands, a 14-song collection produced by Marty and John Carter Cash. Click here to read the entire press release. Marty is also finishing up six books, three of which are photography collections.
Marty joined Keith Urban on stage at Keith's March 19, 2005 sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium. They performed "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Tulsa Time." Click here to see pictures.
On March 17, 2005, Marty accompanied Mavis Staples on guitar and mandolin when she performed at South by Southwest in Austin, TX.
On March 15, 2005, Marty joined Bela Fleck and Ricky Skaggs in performing at a ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame where Earl Scruggs was presented with an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.
Marty, along with Bill Anderson and Brad Paisley, are hosting the program "The Long Haul: The History of Modern Country Music" which airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon (ET) on Channel 10 on XM Satellite Radio. The program will attempt to play every song that reached the Top 30 on the country music charts from 1940 through 2004.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Friday, February 4, 2005 Grand Ole Opry. Joining them on "Ashokan Farewell" and "Bluegrass Breakdown" were Stuart Duncan and Charlie Cushman.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Saturday, January 29, 2005 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "Mirrors Don't Lie" and "Don't Cry To Me." On the second show, Marty played a mandolin medley, then the band joined him on "Somebody Saved Me."
Marty performed on the January 22, 2005 Grand Ole Opry with special guest Mavis Staples. On the first show, they performed "Uncloudy Day" and "The Weight." On the second show, they performed "Uncloudy Day" and "Move Along Train."
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Friday and Saturday night Grand Ole Opry (January 14 and 15, 2005). On the Friday night Opry, they performed "Tempted" and "Dark Bird." On the Saturday night Opry, they performed "Country Boy Rock and Roll" and "The Whiskey Ain't Workin' " on the first show. On the second show, Marty and the band sang "Sundown in Nashville." Marty joined Jerry and Tammy Sullivan on "What a Wonderful Savior is He" and played a mean mandolin on Bill Anderson's "Still."
From 2004
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "Now That's Country" on the first show of the December 11, 2004 Grand Ole Opry, Connie joined Marty onstage to perform "Peaceful World." Then Marty and the band performed "Homesick." On the second show, they performed "The Whiskey Ain't Workin' " and "There's A Rainbow At The End of Every Storm" On the December 10, 2004 Opry, Marty and the band performed "A Satisfied Mind" and "Farmer's Blues."
Marty and Connie were part of the 2004 Christmas Pageant of Peace celebration in Washington, DC on Thursday, December 2, 2004. The Fabulous Superlatives backed Marty and Connie as they performed a song they co-wrote, "Peaceful World."
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the November 27, 2004 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "Rock Island Line" and "Somebody Saved Me." On the second show, they performed "Hobo's Prayer" and Kenny Vaughan sang "Country Music's Got a Hold on Me."
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed a mandolin instrumental and "Slow Train" on the November. 5, 2004 Grand Ole Opry.
Congratulations to Marty on winning an International Bluegrass Music Association award in the Recorded Event category as part of Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers project. The award was handed out on October 7, 2004.
Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives performed on the 9:30 p.m. segment of the September 17, 2004 Friday Night Opry. They performed "Mirrors Don't Lie" and "Country Boy Rock and Roll."
Marty joined Earl Scruggs at the Country Music Hall of Fame on September 14, 2004. Earl did four weekly concerts in September with special, unannounced guests. Mac Wiseman, Larry Cordle, "Cowboy" Jack Clement, Jerry Douglas, Dan Tyminski, and Kris Kristofferson also joined Earl and his Family and Friends Band on the stage.
Bobby Reed at the Chicago Sun-Times has this to say about Marty's song on The Unbroken Circle: The Musical Heritage of the Carter Family: "Marty Stuart turns in one of his finest performances on the gruesome murder ballad "Never Let the Devil Get the Upper Hand of You."
Marty joined Sharon White, Vince Gill and Earl Scruggs as Mother Maybelle Carter's 1928 Gibson guitar was returned to permanent display in the Country Music Hall of Fame on August 23, 2004. "What she played was really symphonic in country terms. She was a total original. She set the standard, and we're still trying to measure up to it," Marty said.
The first-round balloting for Country Weekly's Fan Favorite Awards appeared in their August 17, 2004 issue Marty was nominated for Favorite Entertainer, Favorite Male Artist, and Favorite Collaborative Song for "Farmer's Blues."
In honor of Marty's performance on July 23, 2004 at the Zentralschweizer Country Alpine Open Air Festival in Beckenried, Switzerland, the Country Music Club's July newsletter features Marty on the cover. Thank you Stefan Blaser for the information.
Marty and Connie graced the cover of the June/July 2004 issue of Nashville Lifestyles magazine. Click here to read the article and see the other picture.
According to an article appearing in the June 13, 2004 Decatur Daily News, Marty says he is "running wide open, working on five different albums. I'm writing one, a musical, entitled, believe it or not, 'No Words Aloud'." He is also doing a project on behalf of his beloved Mississippi, which will be "about two years' worth of projects. It's a walk through the state, bringing in giants like William Faulkner, Jimmie Rodgers, Muddy Waters and Elvis Presley."
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Saturday, June 12, 2004 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "Rock Island Line," "Mirrors Don't Lie," and "Hillbilly Rock." On the second show, they performed "The Whiskey Ain't Workin' " and "In The Pines." Marty and Connie inducted Terri Clark as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The Alabama Grill in Concord, NC has closed and all the memorabilia was auctioned off to the public on June 18 and 19, 2004 in Concord. I found a few items from Marty that were available for auction. Click here to view the pictures.
Caught In The Act, a made-for-TV movie scored by Marty was one of the five most-watched movies ever aired on the Lifetime Channel. This is an excellent film and Marty's music is wonderful, including the song, "Been Lonely Too Long," which Marty sings during the movie.
Marty participated in a guitar clinic with James Burton at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, TX on Sunday, June 6, 2004 at Fair Park. This festival, including segments featuring Marty, is available on DVD.
Here is a real blast from the past! Back in 1998, it was announced that Marty had written 16 songs for the comedy play "Moon Shine!". The play, starring Fred Willard (whose wife Mary wrote the play) and Jim J. Bullock, opened at the Grove Theatre in Upland, CA on May 1, 2004 and ran through May 23, 2004. The play was directed by Ted Lange (of "The Love Boat" fame).
The April 2004 issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine featured a fabulous article on the Gene Parsons/Clarence White StringBender as well as a spotlight on Clarence's famous Telecaster Bender guitar now owned by Marty. The issue featured Marty on the cover.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Saturday, March 20, 2004 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "Too Much Month (at the End of the Money) and a mandolin instrumental. On the second show, they performed "A Satisfied Mind" and "Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye."
Country Weekly, in celebration of it's 10th anniversary, listed the top 100 albums of the last ten years. Marty's The Pilgrim came in at #56. Other albums featuring Marty's talent included Johnny Cash's American IV: The Man Comes Around at #41 and Unchained at #53; the Dixie Chicks' Home at #25; Travis Tritt's Ten Feet Tall and Bulletproof at #27; Allison Moorer's The Hardest Part at #62 The Bradley Barn Sessions at #90, and Rhythm, Country & Blues at #96.
Marty was the cover story in the March 2004 issue of Up Country magazine. This is a British publication. Click here to read the article.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed "The Orange Blossom Special," "This Little Light of Mine" and "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on the February 20, 2004 Grand Ole Opry.
The Nashville Scene queried 90 country music critics and compiled the best from 2003. Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives' album, Country Music, landed at #11 on the Best Albums list. On the Best Live Act, they landed at #7. Fabulous Superlative lead guitarist Kenny Vaughan tied for #10 on the Best Musician list. Comments made in the highs, lows and the state of country music in 2003 included Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen saying "Seems to me, this was the year that the division between 'alt-country' and 'country' got foggier than ever. With Dixie Chicks embracing the twang and Brooks & Dunn and Marty Stuart rocking harder than most of their supposedly 'alternative' kin, I found myself listening with renewed interest to the radio." Jim Bessman said, "Marty Stuart is the one from my list who can best be relied upon to define country music, as he so ably does in his boldly stated album title. Then again, did anyone besides me list it -- let alone listen to it? As it only peaked at No. 40, my whole take on the current state of country music is that a great album entitled Country Music, and consistently of what I would call precisely that, went essentially unappreciated."
Marty and Andy Griffith were nominated for a Dove award for The Christmas Guest. Also competing for the Country Album of the Year was Love Never Fails recorded by Connie Smith, Sharon White and Barbara Fairchild. The gals also had two songs nominated for Country Recorded Song of the Year from that same album and a nomination for Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year for "Walking Through The Fire," a song co-written by Marty.
CMT aired "Country Couples" (featuring Marty and Connie) on February 14, 2004.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" on the February 6, 2004 Grand Ole Opry.
A big thanks to former Hot Hillbilly Band drummer John Sturdivant, Jr. for stopping by the website and posting on the Message Board. Check it out under the topic "Hey from JR."
CMT gave a Marty fan the chance to spend a day with Marty in their "Got Me In With The Band" contest. Submissions for the contest included an original video (1/2" VHS format and no longer than five minutes in length) of the fan explaining why they would like to "Get in with the Band." The fan also had to complete a Fan Application and Release Agreement answering the questions, "Why do you want to meet Marty Stuart?", "Why do you think you should be chosen to meet Marty Stuart?", "How long have you been a fan?", "Do you have any collections or memorabilia related to Marty Stuart?", and "How has the music of Marty Stuart impacted your life?" The submissions were judged on personality, originality and creativity. CMT aired the episode in April 2004. Mandy was the proud winner and brought her guitar so she could perform with Marty. Click here to view pictures from the show.
Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives performed "Sundown in Nashville" and Brian Glenn sang "I Can't Even Walk (Without You Holding My Hand)" on the January 30, 2004 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show on the January 31 Marty and the band performed "Hillbilly Rock," "Luther Plays The Boogie," "Farmer's Blues" and "Somebody Saved Me." On the second show, they performed "Too Much Month (at the End of the Money)."
Marty joined Jenny Gill on her radio show, Cool County on January 24, 2004. Listen to the interview.
Marty showed off his country music memorabilia collection on VH1's The Fabulous Life of series which aired on January 21, 2004.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed "A Satisfied Mind" and "Slow Train" on the January 16, 2004 Grand Ole Opry.
Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed "You Don't Know My Mind," "Homesick" and "Hillbilly Rock" on the Friday, January 9, 2004 Grand Ole Opry.
Marty surprised the audience at the January 3, 2004 Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree. Hosted by his wife, Connie Smith, Marty joined her on "Cincinnati, Ohio" and "After The Fire Is Gone" and he performed "Hard Time Blues" solo.
From 2003
Marty's album, Country Music, is finding its way onto many of the "Best Country Albums of 2003" lists: USA Today's Brian Mansfield lists the album at #10: "Country's musical conscience frames this album with Porter Wagoner and Johnny Cash covers, then sings with Merle Haggard about American farmers."

Bobby Reed (Chicago Sun-Times) lists the album at #9, "Few artists balance the past and the present with such style and expertise." Chet Flippo writes "Country music's conscience grows in musical depth and breadth. "Farmers Blues" with Merle Haggard is an instant classic. The Superlatives are the best little band working anywhere." From Calvin Gilbert: "Stuart didn't violate any 'truth-in-labeling' laws when he named his album Country Music. With his band, the Fabulous Superlatives, Stuart keeps it country -- even with a Hammond B-3 organ in the background." From Peter Cooper: "Aptly titled and strikingly delivered, Country Music is a return to fine form for Stuart. "Tip Your Hat" and "Farmer's Blues" feature guest turns from some of country's greatest starts, but the album's highlight is a wailing version of the Michael Henderson/Wally Wilson barroom stomper "Wishful Thinkin'."
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "Too Much Month (at the End of the Money)" and "Rock Island Line" on the December 19, 2003 Friday night Opry. On the first Opry show on Saturday, December 20, Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives sang "Even Santa Claus Gets The Blues" and performed an instrumental. Marty played mandolin on Connie's "Away in a Manger." On the second show, Marty and the band opened with "A Satisfied Mind" and closed with "Farmer's Blues."
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives performed "Rock Island Line" at the Johnny Cash Memorial Tribute on November 10, 2003 at the Ryman Auditorium. I'm hearing reports that the concert will be released on DVD in early 2004.
PBS presented A Gospel Bluegrass Homecoming hosted by Bill Gaither and Marty on November 29, 2003. Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives perform "This Little Light of Mine." The show was taped last December at Fisk University in Nashville. If you miss the TV airing, the program is available on DVD, VHS, CD and cassette.
XM Satellite Radio celebrated its one-millionth subscriber with a gala celebration on November 4, 2003 in Washington, D.C. Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives performed and the event was carried live to XM subscribers.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Marty, Connie, and the family and friends of Johnny Cash. A true musical legend, Johnny passed away September 12, 2003.
Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives joined Eddie Stubbs for three hours on WSM-AM on August 28, 2003. Eddie played some cuts off Marty's new album as well as some of Marty's classic country favorites. Marty and the band performed several songs live (old, new, gospel as well as featuring Harry, Kenny and Brian on lead vocals). Marty says the next single released to radio will be "Too Much Month (At The End Of The Money)."
Thanks to Country Stars Online for making this website their Fan Site of the Week for August 25, 2003.
Rolling Stone.com reports Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives are part of an upcoming tribute album to the Carter Family. They perform "Don't Let the Devil Get the Upper Hand on You." "It's pretty dang dark," Marty says. "I read a quote one time. It summed up my take on the Carter Family. It said, 'In the presence of perfect beauty, tears are the only answer.' The Carter Family is about as pure and close to the source as you can get."
Marty and Ricky Skaggs are working on the soundtrack to a new Disney film. Ricky describes it as a "wonderful animated story about love. It's kind of a little bit of Pinocchio, it's a little bit of Romeo and Juliet and a little bit of the Hatfields and McCoys thrown in for good measure. So, with three plots like that, it has to be a hit." [Note: This project was canceled.]
On Saturday, August 9, 2003, Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives appeared on CMT's Most Wanted Live and performed "If There Ain't There Ought'a Be" and "A Satisfied Mind." Then they moved over to the Grand Ole Opry where Marty hosted the televised portion. The band performed "Too Much Month At the End of the Money," and "Farmer's Blues." Kenny Vaughan sang "Country Music's Got A Hold On Me." They also performed "If There Aint There Ought'a Be" and closed out the first show with "Hillbilly Rock." On the second show, they sang "You Don't Know My Mind," "Somebody Saved Me" and closed with "Tempted."
On August 7, 2003, Marty and Cowboy Jack Clement performed at a memorial service for Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. About Sam Phillips, Marty said, ''He left a lot of footprints for a lot of us to follow. It had a lot to do with the word 'freedom' -- no boundaries. It's what's in your heart and what's yours alone -- what your natural thing is. That's a good lesson for all of us to live by. What I see is that set of footprints...a total individual...a total american original...an innovator...a revolutionary and a peace maker. And he did all these things with music."
If Marty were on a deserted island, which five records would he want with him? What are his three favorite Nashville-area restaurants? Who does Marty think are the three sexiest people alive? Click here to find out.
So many of you are asking why most of the Electric Barnyard Festival tour dates were canceled. Sluggish ticket sales for one thing. Tour promoters and publicists also cited extreme heat encountered on the west coast which led to problems with the portable amphitheater being used. It was 106 degrees the day they performed in Dixon, California. Marty says the tour will resume "next fall."
Marty has joined pop stars, rap artists and fellow country music singers in speaking out against illegal file sharing through the Internet, claiming it robs hardworking people of their jobs and livelihoods. RIAA secured over 900 supoenas to force internet service providers to hand over the names and addresses of subscribers suspected of illegally dowloading and sharing music.
Marty's album, Country Music, debuts on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart at #48 (July 19, 2003).

Chart Action for July 26, 2003: Marty's album moved up from #48 to #40 on Billboard's Country Albums chart. The single,"If There Aint', There Ought'a Be," is currently up to #47 from #51 on Billboard's Country Singles chart.

Chart action for August 2, 2003: Marty's album moves down from #40 to #43 on Billboard's Country Albums Chart. The single, "If There Ain't There Ought'a Be" moves up from #47 to #42 on the Country Singles Chart.

Chart action for August 9, 2003: Marty's album moves down from #43 to #60 on Billboard's Country Album Chart. The single moves down from #42 to #44 on the Country Singles Chart.

Chart action for August 16, 2003: Marty's album moves down from #60 to #65 on Billboard's Country Albums Chart. The single moves up from #44 to #42 on the Country Singles Chart.
Marty's CD, Country Music, was released on July 1, 2003. The first 50,000 copies will feature a DVD video with tour footage, interviews, and images from Marty's photography collection.
Movie News: Showtime finally showed Daddy and Them, starring Billy Bob Thornton and Laura Dern. The music (produced and perfomed by Marty and the Rock and Roll Cowboys) in the movie is fantastic!
The IMAX film on the history of country music premiered at Opry Mills in Nashville, TN on June 25, 2003. The film features 40 country and bluegrass music artists, including Marty. While Marty was unable to attend the premiere, Connie and Marty's mom prettied up the red carpet. The film was released in July to IMAX theaters in Dallas, Kansas City, Palm Desert, CA and Myrtle Beach, SC.
Marty's Second Annual Late Night Jam was held at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, June 4, 2003. Keith Urban surprised the crowd as a special guest. Other performers were Wynonna, Cletus T. Judd (no relation), The Kentucky Headhunters, The Martins, Jeff Bates, and Connie Smith. Read the reviews and enjoy the pictures sent in by the fans.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives appeared on the Friday, May 23, 2003 Grand Ole Opry. They opened with "Rock Island Line" and Kenny Vaughan closed out the segment with "Country Music's Got a Hold On Me."
The Country Music family said "goodbye" to a member of its legendary family. June Carter Cash was remembered by scores of celebrities and fans at her funeral on May 18, 2003. Marty and Connie attended the funeral. Emmylou Harris and Sheryl Crow as well as the Oak Ridge Boys, The Gatlin Brothers and members of the Carter Family performed.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives were on the May 10, 2003 Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they opened with "Sundown In Nashville." They backed Connie on "Once A Day." They performed a great version of "This Little Light of Mine." Brian Glenn soloed on "Three Days." They closed out the segment with "Hillbilly Rock." Second show they performed "Too Much Month at the End of the Money," "No Hard Times" and "Fool For Love."
Anybody catch Blair Garner's "After Midnite" show on May 7, 2003? In the Pick It or Flick It contest, Marty's brand new single, "If There Ain't, There Ought'a Be" was played and 63% Picked it and 37% Flicked it. Official release date for the single was June 16, 2003. Marty's album, Country Music, was released on July 1, 2003.
For those of you who did not pick up a copy of the May 7, 2003 Wall Street Journal, you can read the Workspaces article featuring Marty by clicking here.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on May 3, 2003. They opened with "Too Much Month at the End of the Money." Ronnie McCoury joined them on "Paul and Silas." They closed out the segment with "Sundown in Nashville." The second show, they opened with "A Satisfied Mind" and closed with "Farmer's Blues."
From CMT.com: "So What Kind Of Music Is It, Marty? In an admirable example of truth-in-packaging, Marty Stuart has titled his first album for Columbia Records Country Music. The package will be released July 1, 2003 and will be spotlighted on his upcoming Electric Barnyard tour with Merle Haggard. The dynamic duo will be on the road throughout July and August. Stuart is also putting the finishing touches on a Christmas album he produced for Andy Griffith on Sparrow Records."
A blurb in the March 12, 2003 edition of The Tennessean: "Merle Haggard and Marty Stuart will tour together with what Marty tells Billboard will be a unique concept: 'Think Roy Acuff 1940s tent show meets Cirque du Soleil.' ''
It's hard to believe that New York City has no mainstream country music radio station. A New York Times reporter talked with Marty about this.
From CMT.com: "Marty Stuart and Merle Haggard were in a Nashville studio Monday (Feb. 10, 2003) to record 'Farmer’s Blues,' a song written by Stuart and his wife, Grand Ole Opry member Connie Smith. Set to appear on Stuart’s upcoming album for Sony Music Nashville, it marks his first time to record with the Country Music Hall of Fame member."
Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives performed on the Grand Ole Opry on January 25, 2003. The first show, they sang "Tempted" and "Peace In The Valley." On the second show, they performed "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'," and "Streamline Lover." The Opry shows are archived at WSMOnline.com.
Marty helps Nashville honors Andy Griffith. Read all about it.
Former Rock and Roll Cowboy, Steve Arnold, is looking to sell four of his stage jackets. Click here to view his collection.
Marty has signed a recording contract with Sony Records.
The song, "Flesh and Blood," performed by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris from the Kindred Spirits CD, was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Country Collaboration With Vocals category. Marty and The Rock and Roll Cowboys backed up these great gals.
On January 11, 2003, Marty and his band performed on the Grand Ole Opry. On the first show, they performed "A Satisfied Mind" and "Homesick." On the second show, they performed "This Little Light of Mine" and Kenny Vaughan sang "Country Music's Got A Hold On Me." The Opry shows are archived at WSMOnline.
From 2002
According to Brad Schmitt at The Tennessean, Marty and Connie joined Sonya Isaacs and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at Nashville's Fisk University on December 10, 2002 for a taping of the Gaither Homecoming bluegrass video, which will be available soon at Christian bookstores and music outlets.
Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on October 5, 2002. Marty hosted the TV portion. The band opened with "Back To The Country." Marty also joined the Old Crow Medicine Show on their song. Marty and the band closed with "Get Down On Your Knees and Pray," "Streamline Lover," and Kenny Vaughan performed "Walk Like That." Marty also hosted a segment on the second show, opening with "Tempted." He and Connie Smith sang "After The Fire Is Gone," They closed out the segment with Hank Williams Sr's "Alone and Forsaken."
Read what they're saying about the Johnny Cash tribute album which Marty produced and was released on September 24, 2002 on Lucky Dog Records. Kindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Songs of Johnny Cash features Little Richard performing "Get Rhythm," Travis Tritt performing "I Walk The Line, " Keb' Mo' on "Folsom Prison Blues" and a version of "Flesh & Blood" by Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow and Mary-Chapin Carpenter. Marty performs the song "Hey Porter."
The movie Waking Up In Reno had a limited theater release. Marty produced the soundtrack to the movie which stars Billy Bob Thornton, Patrick Swayze, Charlize Theron and Natasha Richardson. No soundtrack album will be available. The Encore cable channel aired the movie in June 2004.
Marty finished third with 219 votes in the Executive Inn in Paducah, KY voting in who you would like to see perform in their Showroom. The good news is Marty's performed there on June 28, 2003.
The Dixie Chicks previewed their album, Home, for a private audience at the Ryman Auditorium. Though they may not have known it, Marty watched the Chicks from a seat on the main floor -- probably tickled to hear back-to-back performances of two songs he wrote with Natalie Maines and Martie Maguire. ("I Believe in Love" and "Tortured, Tangled Heart.") "Marty Stuart is like Dolly Parton," Natalie said, telling the story of inviting Marty to Austin where they recorded the album to co-write with them. She added, "You hope he shows up in those tight pants and the jet black hair, even if it's just for a writing session. And he did!" The album was released August 27, 2002 and has sold over five million copies.
Marty was found not guilty in Sumner County General Sessions Court August 27, 2002 of DUI charges.
Marty first annual Late Night Jam, held at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium on June 12 during Fan Fair 2002, was a tremendous success, raising $20,000 for MusiCares. This event, organized by Marty Stuart and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, featured performances by Travis Tritt, Montgomery Gentry, Pam Tillis, T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, Joe Nichols, the Sullivans, Richard Young, Ray Benson and others. Marty has committed to continuing the Late Night Jam annually and designating MusiCares as the beneficiary. This event was applauded by many as the best show at Fan Fair to date.
The July 2002 issue of the Nashville Music Guide asks for Fan Fair 2002, "Where were the stars at the convention? They go on to say, "Marty Stuart is my pick for 'being there for the fans.' Marty welcomed fans inside his booth and stayed the longest embracing his fans, signing autographs and sharing a photograph sessions with his fans. After all, it is the fans that buy the records and support our concerts." It wouldn't be so bad except they spelled his name "Stewart."
Marty and the new band performed on the Grand Ole Opry on June 15, 2002. Marty hosted the TV portion. They performed "Hey Baby" and "A Satisfied Mind."
Marty's fan club party and Late Night Jam were held on June 12, 2002 at the Ryman Auditorium. Fan club members got to bid on items Marty donated to a silent auction. They got to hear Marty talk a little and then Marty posed for pictures with each member. The Late Night Jam was sold-out and an awesome show. Click here to read about the Fan Club Party and the Late Night Jam. Check out some other review and photos from the Fan Club Party and the Jam.
Country.com reports Marty has been writing songs with Travis Tritt for Travis' upcoming album.
The Yellow Bird, a short film directed by Faye Dunaway, which features a Marty-produced song in its soundtrack, aired on the Women's Entertainment Network the end of April 2002.
As many of you know, most of Marty's albums are out-of-print. MCA re-released the album Hillbilly Rock on March 19, 2002. This is a good time to pick up a second copy if you need one.
Marty's tenure as President of the Country Music Foundation ends at six terms. Vince Gill replaces Marty as the new President. Marty remains an officer of the Hall of Fame.
Marty and Brian Setzer inducted Chet Atkins into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Induction Dinner took place at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City on March 18, 2002.
Marty appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on March 9, 2002. He performed the song "A Satisfied Mind" and "Black Mountain Blues" and sang the Martha White theme song with Rhonda Vincent and the ten winners of the Martha White Sing-a-Long contest.
Congratulations to Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Glen Duncan, Steve Martin, Vince Gill, Gary Scruggs, Albert Lee, Paul Shaffer, Jerry Douglas, Leon Russell and Marty on winning a Grammy Award on February 27, 2002 for Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."
Were you surprised to see Marty on your supermarket shelf? Marty graced specially-marked packages of Martha White Flour. This was part of their Legends of Country Music Series also featuring Rhonda Vincent on their muffin mixes and Earl Scruggs on their corn meal mix. Hope you got your bag.
Can we believe this? Another delay. The latest release date for Wakin' Up In Reno is now Fall 2002. It's quite likely this film will see the same fate as Daddy & Them.
Marty and the Rock and Roll Cowboys performed on the Grand Ole Opry on February 23, 2002. Marty hosted the TV portion. The hour was dedicated to the legends of country music. Marty performed "Cry, Cry, Cry" and "Blue Train" in honor of Johnny Cash's 70th birthday. Connie and Marty performed the Loretta/Conway duet "After The Fire Is Gone." Earl Scruggs was also a guest and joined Marty on stage for "Jimmy Brown, The Newsboy," "Sally Goodin" and "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."

On the second show, Marty and the Cowboys opened with "Tempted." Connie was a guest on the segment, too. Marty and Earl played "Cry, Cry, Cry" and "Mr. John Henry, Steel Driving Man." Marty closed with "Honky Tonk Crowd." The Opry shows are archived.

After the Opry, Marty and Connie went to the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and Connie hosted the Midnite Jamboree. Other guests were Josh Turner and LeRoy Troy. Marty performed "Hillbilly Rock," "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'," "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" (dedicated to Waylon Jennings), and Marty and Connie performed "After The Fire Is Gone."

On the February 16, 2002 Grand Ole Opry, Marty joined Travis Tritt and Hank Williams, Jr. in a wonderful tribute to the late, great Waylon Jennings. If you were watching the TV coverage, you missed a couple of songs where Marty sang lead. You should be able to listen to the archive here. Click here to read The Tennessean's coverage of the special event.Marty had this to say on the death of Waylon Jennings: "America has lost one of its true originals. Waylon Jennings has made some of the best records that ever came out of this town."
Tennessean columnist Brad Schmitt says, "A big how-do to Marty Stuart's mama, the lovely and sweet Hilda Stuart of Smyrna, who spent a minute or two with me on the phone yesterday (January 14, 2002). I had to dig for a little dirt and I asked about Marty's school grades. "He got all A's," Mama Stuart bragged, "in band."
No one was more ecstatic than Marty at the announcement on January 14, 2002 that Gaylord Entertainment was not changing the format of WSM-AM radio. "This is a victory," he said. "All your calls, all your emails, the public support. It did count."
The January 12, 2002 Tennessean offered comments from several country music artists on the talk of Gaylord Entertainment changing the format of WSM-AM. Marty's comment was, "We all need to recognize the important role WSM has played in country music throughout the world. To throw that culture away is very sad. What scares me is that there was a time when the tide of public opinion might have made a huge difference, when the mailroom was a barometer of what people thought. Unfortunately, now the bottom line is more important than the mailroom."
Connie performed on the Grand Ole Opry on January 11 and 12, 2002. She sounded great and she looked beautiful on the live portion that aired on CMT.
MCA Nashville is releasing a 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection series from several artists. The Best of Marty Stuart was released on January 8, 2002. Songs include "Hillbilly Rock, "Western Girls," "Tempted," "Burn Me Down," "Little Things," "Now That's Country," "Till I Found You," "This One's Gonna Hurt You," "High On A Mountain Top," "You Can't Stop Love," "Kiss Me, I'm Gone," and "The Pilgrim."
Marty and Connie enjoyed Earl Scruggs' 78th Birthday celebration on January 6, 2002. Read about it here.
From The Tennessean's Brad Schmitt: "Singer/composer Marty Stuart is a big fan of Civil War historian Shelby Foote, an 84-year-old gentlemen author with a Delta drawl who was made famous by his appearance in Ken Burns' PBS series, The Civil War. So Marty was quite excited recently when he got a home number for Mr. Foote, a Mississippi native who now lives in Memphis. Marty called and explained he was a hillbilly singer and a big fan who truly wanted to meet Mr. Foote and perhaps get him to autograph a book or two. 'How precious of you to call,' Mr. Foote replied, 'but I only sign books for my dear friends.' Marty laughed after telling the story. 'How 'bout that? Dissed by Shelby Foote! But that's better than not talking to him at all.'
Grammy nominations were announced on January 4, 2002. Earl Scruggs and Friends' "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" is up for Best Country Instrumental Performance. The Awards Show will be broadcast on Wednesday, February 27.
On the music front, Marty plays mandolin on the single by new artist Stevi Marie. "You're The One That Made Me Love You" was released January 15, 2002. Rock & Roll Cowboy Brad Davis is excited about the new single by Daisy Dern, "Gettin' Back To You." Brad co-wrote it with Dave Gibson (who is also Daisy's husband). WSM-AM has played the song and it caught my ear even before I knew Brad was a part of it.
From 2001
Marty's produced a Johnny Cash tribute album, Kindred Spirits. Featured artists include Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Shelby Lynne, Sheryl Crow, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Travis Tritt and Keb' Mo'.
Marty and the Rock and Roll Cowboys performed on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, December 29, 2001. They performed "Hillbilly Highway" and "Hey Baby" on the first show. Marty hosted a segment on the second show. He performed "Tempted" and then asked Connie, Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch to join him on the Carter Family's "Farther On."
The Down Home Country 2002 Calendar featured Marty and other country music stars (Tim, Faith, Alan, Vince, Martina, Billy Ray and others) photographed with individuals with Down Syndrome. Proceeds benefited the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee.
I continue to get emails from fans who went to McDonough, GA for Marty's show on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2001. Marty and the Rock and Roll Cowboys did perform around midnight. It seemed that someone had walked away with the concert receipts and there was no money to pay Marty to perform. I understand it was a real mess and some of the fans left without seeing Marty. Read what the fans had to say. Check out the Welcome Page for more information on what really happened.
Connie is now able so talk after having surgery on her vocal chords in October 2001. She's at home resting and looking forward to singing again. She should be back at the Opry soon and she will go back out on the road in 2002.
From The Tennessean's Brad Schmitt at the BMI Awards on November 7, 2001: "Marty Stuart probably had the most shocking outfit of the evening -- a business suit with a striped tie. Marty! How terribly conservative! Is the wife Connie Smith settling him down? 'Oh honey,' she said, 'you know better than that.' " Speaking of Connie, Marty says she'll be back at the Opry in January.
Marty was part of the Opry at the Ryman Benefit on Sunday, November 11, 2001 at the Ryman Auditorium. Proceeds will aid the families and victims of the September 11 tragedy.
CMT and GAC have begun airing the video "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" featuring Earl Scruggs, Marty, Vince Gill, actor Steve Martin, Jerry Douglas, Albert Lee, Harry Stinson, Glen Duncan, Randy and Earl Scruggs, Paul Shaffer and Leon Russell. It looked like one big party and Marty has a smile on his face the entire time.
Marty and the Rock and Roll Cowboys performed on the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, October 19, 2001. Marty started off the segment with "Are You Ready for the Country." His guests were Jimmy C. Newman, Jack Greene and Mandy Barnett. Steve Buchanan, president of the Grand Ole Opry Group, presented Marty with his Opry Member Award. Marty and the Cowboys closed the segment with "Hobo's Prayer." Marty and the Cowboys also performed on the Opry October 26 and 27.
According to news reports, a CD featuring music from the September 21, 2001 telethon (America: A Tribute to Heroes) will be out in a matter of weeks. The album will be released by Interscope Music in the United States and Sony Music will distribute internationally. The Dixie Chicks perform the song "I Believe In Love," which they wrote with Marty. [Note: The CD has been released.]
On the movie front: The release of Waking Up in Reno has now been pushed back to 2002. Billy Bob has movies coming out in October, November and December. Daddy & Them is also due for a 2002 release, if it's ever released at all. We've been waiting over two years now for that movie, so your guess is as good as mine. Marty was responsible for the music for both films.
On October 4, 2001, Marty hosted the induction ceremony for the 12 new members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Billy Bob Thornton has postponed his fall tour with Marty and the Rock and Roll Cowboys in order to promote four of his movies being released in the next few months. A more-extensive tour is being planned for the first half of 2002. Billy Bob's album (produced by Marty), Private Radio, was released on September 25, 2001.
The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in Clarksville, TN hosted a month-long (September 2001) exhibit of Marty's photographs from his photo book. The exhibit was called "Shooting From The Heart." A reception honoring Marty's work was held on Thursday, September 6. The Leaf-Chronicle had a great article on the event. Evelyn Totty wrote about her experience at the reception. My review and Mario's photos are online, too.
According to Brad Schmitt in the September 9, 2001 edition of The Tennessean, "Connie Smith is canceling a performance for the first time in 27 years so she can rest her voice. Dr. Mark Courey of the Vanderbilt Voice Center advised full voice rest for three weeks." Connie canceled three concerts scheduled in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri.
On September 4, 2001, the National Association of State Park Directors was honored to listen to Marty speak and perform at their Welcome Dinner held at the Country Music Hall of Fame. LeRoy Troy also provided some musicial entertainment.
The Selby Gallery on the campus of the Ringing School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida held an exhibit called "Real Country: The Photography of Marty Stuart and Jon Kral" August 1 to August 24, 2001 featuring Marty's "insider's view of the life of a musican." The exhibit also featured Jon Kral's study of Florida cowboys drawn from his book, Cracker.
Marty appeared in the Johnny Cash Anthology which aired in August on PBS. If you've missed it, here's a review from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
On the magazine front: Marty and Lester Flatt (from 1972) appeared on the last page of the August / September, 2001 issue of Country Music. Marty also wrote an article on Earl Scruggs for the annual music issue of The Oxford American. This issue also featured an interview with Billy Bob Thornton who discussed his upcoming album which Marty produced.
Marty was part of the audience that applauded Tom Petty's comment, "I turned on the country station today, and I was listening to that. What is that [expletive]? I'm absolutely sure it's [variation of earlier expletive]. Marty enjoyed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' Antioch, TN concert on July 15, 2001.
On July 6, 2001, Marty, Connie and Marty's mom attended the funeral service for Opry member and good friend, Johnny Russell. Connie received a standing ovation for her performance of "How Great Thou Art." Read The Tennessean's coverage of the service.
On July 3, 2001, Marty and Connie both performed at the funeral service for the great Chet Atkins. Connie opened the service singing "Farther Along" accompanied by Marty on mandolin, Mark Casstevens on guitar, David Hungate on bass and Stuart Duncan on fiddle. Later in the service, Marty told of the time he went to lunch with Chet and David Conrad. Marty was riding in the back seat of the car and thought Chet had drifted off to sleep. David was telling Marty about a girl singer they were working with and Chet muttered, "Did she ever learn to sing in tune?" Marty then played the Atkins-produced Skeeter Davis hit "The End of the World" on mandolin accompanied by Casstevens and a small string section. Read The Tennessean's coverage of the service.
Marty will serve his sixth consecutive term as President of the Country Music Foundation.
The long-awaited and much-anticipated Leroy Troy album The Old Grey Mare was released on Rounder Records on July 10, 2001. According to Marty (who produced the album), "There's no one else on Earth like Leroy. He is an American treasure, a musical wizard and one of my best friends. We made this album in the month of December after a year's worth of planning. We'd like to dedicate it to Hillbilly Heaven, Pluto, the Little Dipper, the Solemn Old Judge, Captain Kangaroo and Beethoven...with all due respect." Click here to read the rest of Marty's comments as well as Serena Wimmer's review of the CD.
On the June 22, 2001 Grand Ole Opry show, Connie Smith was presented with a 14" bronze replica of the WSM Opry microphone stand and microphone in honor of her 36 years as a member of the Opry. "I'm so proud," Connie said. "I've wanted to be a part of the Opry since I was five years old."
Fan Fair 2001 has come and gone and downtown Nashville will never be the same. I don't think the fans were prepared for the high cost of parking. Marty's Fan Club enjoyed an evening at the new Country Music Hall of Fame. Marty hosted a benefit breakfast for Loretta Johnson. He was part of the opening ceremonies for Fan Fair at Adelphia Coliseum. He and Travis hooted it up at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, and Marty was a real hit signing at his booth. You can read all about it on the Fan Fair Page.
Congratulations to Connie, who took home the Female Golden Voice Award on June 14, 2001. Connie was busy during Fan Fair too. She accompanied Marty to his fan club party and also performed at the Superstar Spectacular. She was part of the Saturday shows at Riverfront Park and the matinee Opry show at the Ryman Auditorium.
Click here to read Marty's thoughts on songwriter / musician John Hartford who passed away on June 4, 2001.
Marty and Connie have donated stage outfits and an autographed guitar to Loretta Lynn's new "Coal Miner's Daughter Museum" which opened May 26, 2001 in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
Marty was featured in Country Weekly's Star Stats page in their June 12, 2001 issue.
"There were speeches, there was a ribbon cutting, but the most moving part of the grand opening celebration of the new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on May 17, 2001 was the music." Read Country.com's coverage of the all-star event.
Country.com's daily poll for May 17, 2001 asked: "Marty Stuart has donated artifacts to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Which are you most eager to see?" 22% said Patsy Cline's travel case, 5% said Jerry Lee Lewis' patent-leather boots, and 73% are eager to see Hank Williams' handwritten lyrics.
The Nashville Independent Film Festival screened the movie "Daddy & Them" at the Regal Green Hills 16 Cinemas on June 7, 2001. The movie is slated for a summer 2001 release. Marty produced the soundtrack for the film. [The release of the movie continues to be pushed back.]
On May 12, 2001, Marty and the Tennessee Mafia Jug band entertained the 800+ "hardhats" (those who had worked on the construction of the new Country Music Hall of Fame) and their families. The event included lunch, entertainment and full access to the museum and exhibits.
Enjoy an article from Country.com which includes three photographs of items from Marty's memorabilia collection on display at the new Country Music Hall of Fame. Marty was at the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, May 1 as they worked on his exhibit. Items on display include Hank Williams' purple fringed shirt, Jerry Lee Lewis' black patent leather boots and Patsy Cline's travel case. Marty said he wanted to "get it out my warehouse where the general public could come view it and love it the way I do." The Marty Stuart Collection is on the 2nd level of the Hall of Fame. When visiting the museum, be sure to look for the Fan Club's name engraved in stone in the Conservatory. Thanks to those of you who contributed and helped make this honor possible.
All The Pretty Horses has been released on home video and DVD. Fans had hoped the DVD version would contain the hours of footage (and music) left on the cutting room floor. The information I find says the movie will run 117 minutes in both formats.
Marty and the Rock and Roll Cowboys performed on the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, May 11, 2001. Marty hosted the final segment of the show. They performed "Hillbilly Highway" and Marty strummed mandolin on Mike Snider's "John Henry." Marty and the Cowboys closed with "Hobo's Prayer."
Word has it that the IMAX film, Twang, which Marty was involved with will not be released during Fan Fair week as expected. The production company has sued Gaylord Entertainment for $1 million claiming Gaylord has not kept its end of the deal, which included donating $250,000 to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in return for the artists accepting less money for their appearances in the film. Gaylord is reportedly not happy that the film went $1 million over budget.
CD Cover Marty is so proud! Bear Family Records has released a boxed set of Connie's music called "Born To Sing." This four-CD boxed set features 144 songs from her years with RCA Records. A full-length biographical essay includes many previously unpublished photos from Connie's personal collection.
Marty recalls the finest cup of coffee in Meridian, Mississippi in an article called "Truck Stop Heaven" in the March/April 2001 Travel issue of Oxford American. Click here to read the article.
Marty was one of 17 musicians inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame on March 31, 2001. Members of Marty's fan club came from as far as Illinois and South Carolina to see him inducted. Marty said, "It's an honor. If you think about who stepped out of this state musically -- just to be listed on the same paper is an honor." Listen to an soundclip. Other musicians inducted were Jerry Lee Lewis, the late Pop Staples and the Staples Singers, Charley Pride, Conway Twitty, John Lee Hooker, and the late Muddy Waters.

Criteria for induction includes "having been born and lived a large part of his or her life in Mississippi; be well known in his/her field of music; have wide name recognition outside of Mississippi; have contributed significantly to the advancement of music in America; have received awards for musical achievement outside of Mississippi; have performed or had his/her works performed on TV, video, audio, in movies, etc.; have toured nationally or internationally or written music that has been performed on tour and have appeared in nationally recognized concert halls, theaters, playgrounds, fairs, etc." I think you'll agree that Marty fits that to a "T".

Brad Schmitt of The Tennessean shares Marty's feelings on today's country music. Click here to enjoy the quotes. Read the scoop on Marty working with actress Faye Dunaway.
The April 3, 2001 issue of Country Weekly featured a photo of Marty and Connie from the book Nashville: The Pilgrims of Guitar. A picture of Marty and Pam Tillis (from Pam's induction to the Grand Ole Opry) was included in the article on Pam, plus you got a look at Matt (Spike) Spicher, Marty's former sound engineer. Matt and Pam have been a couple for two years.
The February 14, 2001 poll on Country.com asked visitors to vote for the best Valentine's Day couple. The choices were Marty and Connie, Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Clint and Lisa Hartman Black, and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Despite some heavy last-minute voting from the Vince and Amy fans, Marty and Connie (thanks to the Martypals) ruled supreme with 65.2% of the votes. See the results here.
Travis Tritt squealed on Marty in the February 20, 2001 issue of Country Weekly. Seems years ago, Travis and Marty jetted to Los Angeles for an auction of Elvis memorabilia. Travis says, "The night before the auction, Marty and I were walking around trying on Elvis' clothes, putting his belts on, sitting in his cars, putting on his sunglasses, playing with his guns, I mean, just having a blast."
Check out an online interview with Marty. Click on the Marty.ram file to listen to the unedited interview or you can listen to the NPR interview which is set to music and has been edited.
Marty, Earl & Dwight Here's the scoop on Marty and the Hillbilly Rat Pack's show on January 19, 2001 from Country.com: "From Tom Roland in Los Angeles: Marty Stuart didn't win at the Golden Globe Awards, but he celebrated his nomination in style Friday night with an invitation-only show on Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Stuart [backed by Brad Davis, Steve Arnold and Gregg Stocki] gave an intimate performance in the House of Blues' Foundation Room, an exclusive, upstairs gathering spot with a fireplace and intriguing views of the city. So packed was the room that only folks in the first few rows could actually see Stuart and a bevy of his guests, including actor/director Billy Bob Thornton. Thornton enlisted Stuart to score All the Pretty Horses, the movie that garnered the nomination. Holly Lamar, a double Grammy nominee for co-writing Faith Hill's "Breathe," performed, as did Stuart's wife, Connie Smith, who belted out an impressive version of Buck Owens' "Under Your Spell Again." Dwight Yoakam appeared for a lengthy set that included a rousing Merle Haggard medley -- highlighted by a stellar version of "Mama Tried" -- and another makeshift medley that moved from Elvis Presley's "Any Way You Want Me" into Yoakam's own "Fast as You." The crowd was appreciative, although it saved its biggest response for Country Music Hall of Fame member Earl Scruggs and a singalong of the theme from TV's Beverly Hillbillies. It makes sense -- most of the guests were TV and movie execs. Currently without a label deal, Stuart has started writing songs for his next album with Paul Kennerley, who co-wrote his hits "Tempted," "Western Girls" and "Little Things."

And they also featured this tidbit: "Also walking away empty-handed Sunday night was country music stalwart Marty Stuart, up with Kristin Wilkinson and Larry Paxton for Best Original Score, for All the Pretty Horses. The real losers, however, were the producers of the awards show, who misspelled Stuart's name on the graphics used while announcing the category's nominees."

From the Los Angeles Times: "Director-actor Billy Bob Thornton's heading into a recording studio this week to start work on an album, with country star Marty Stuart serving as collaborator and producer. Stuart did most of the music for Thornton's current film, All the Pretty Horses, which earned the musician (and partners Kristin Wilkinson and Larry Paxton) a best original score nomination for tonight's (January 21, 2001) Golden Globe awards."
The soundtrack to the movie All The Pretty Horses