Opry Notes

by Judy Mizell

April 23, 1999 Performance --

MARTY STUART RECRUITS A ‘RAGTAG’ BAND

Marty Stuart returned to the Friday night Opry and brought a special backup band to play with him. The Opry star said he has a new album coming out called The Pilgrim and the last note on it is the first note he learned to play. The person he learned the note from was Earl Scruggs and to the surprise and delight of the audience, he brought out the legendary Country Music Hall of Famer who joined him on "John Henry." It was just Stuart and Scruggs on mandolin and banjo. Stuart then brought out Uncle Josh Graves on dobro from Flatt & Scruggs’ legendary Foggy Mountain Boys. They were joined by Brad Davis on guitar, Glenn Duncan on fiddle and Earl’s son Gary Scruggs on bass. The ensemble performed "Salty Dog Blues." At host Porter Wagoner’s request, they played the classic instrumental "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."

As they left the stage, Wagoner said, "I’m gonna get Marty to come out and we’re gonna sing a duet." "Oh we are?" Stuart said smiling from the wings when he heard Wagoner’s remark.

"I’m so very proud of my neighbor and my good friend," Wagoner said when Stuart joined him on stage. "You want to get me to come over and cut your yard," Stuart said. Actually, Wagoner wanted him to sing one of Stuart’s favorites, "Misery Loves Company."

"I’ll help you out with the words," the host said to which Stuart replied, "You’ll have to." As they sang, Wagoner whispered the words in Stuart’s ear . . . and he dutifully repeated them.