Marty Stuart is mostly known for two things: partying and music.

A student of Lester Flatt, Doc Watson, Johnny Cash and anyone else he's rubbed shoulders with since joining Flatt's band in his early teens, Stuart nonetheless forged his own identity as kind of a party country rocker, a little on the campy side, but always ready to show his fans a good time.

His longtime relationship with Johnny Cash started when he married the Man in Black's daughter Cindy. Although the marriage failed by 1986, Cash and Stuart maintained such a camaraderie the former dedicated a chapter in his latest biography to him.

Despite his numerous ties to country's past. Stuart, playing Big Valley this year, is an original.

1. What was the last movie you really loved?
Life is Beautiful.

2. What was the first album you owned?
Flatt & Scruggs' Greatest Hits.

3. What was the last book you read?
Prayer by Ole Hallesby.

4. What's your favourite hangout?
Home with wife Connie.

5. Do you have a pet peeve?
You don't have enough time or paper to cover them.

6. What's your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Church with the family, dinner at Momma's.

7. What's your favourite junk food?
Almond Joy and Reese's Peanut Butter cups.

8. What are you doing on New Year's Eve 1999?
A show south of Memphis in the Mississippi Delta. i.e. Robinsonville, Mississippi.

9. What gadget or gizmo can you not live without?
Probably a guitar.

10. Do you have a hobby or habit that you think would surprise people?
Before a concert, I ride my bicycle around and inspect people's gardens.

11. What's your favourite piece of clothing?
Whatever black thing I'm wearing.

12. What would you change about yourself if you could?
Patience, I need more of it.

13. Whom do you most admire?
God, Connie and Momma. All three think alike.

14. What is your greatest extravagance?
Manuel clothes, guitars and cool cowboy boots.

15. Have you ever been mistaken for another celebrity?
Yes, Eddie Munster.

16. Do you have a favourite quote?
Off the top of my head, Keith Richards, on the subject of art said, "Art is simply short for Arthur. Put and 'F' in front of 'art' and what do you have?"

17. What is your greatest weakness?
It depends on which day of the week it is.

18. If you are reincarnated, who will you be?
Me, some more.

19. What would you say is the most important lesson Johnny Cash taught you?
Don't sweat the small stuff. Keep your eyes on the big picture and if you're on drugs, so is your hair.

20. What made you decide to do a theme album? Did it have anything to do with the millennium approaching?
Change. It's all about changing things around. We've had enough watered-down pop music posing as country music. Let's throw down some real stuff.