Marty Stuart

Who Is Marty Stuart?

Marty Stuart is a renowned country music singer who began his career as a guitarist in Johnny Cash’s backup band in 1979. He later found success as a solo artist and achieved widespread acclaim for his collaborations with other country music legends, including Travis Tritt and Willie Nelson. Over the course of his career, Stuart has garnered multiple Grammy Awards for his contributions to the genre.

Early Life

Marty Stuart was born on September 30, 1958, in Philadelphia, Mississippi. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep musical talent, receiving his first guitar shortly after he learned to walk. By the age of 12, Stuart had already begun his professional career, spending his summer touring with the Sullivan Family, a bluegrass-gospel group, where he played the mandolin. This formative experience had a profound impact on him. Reflecting on it later, Stuart remarked, “I felt like I had found my life. I felt like I had run away with the circus. But when school started, I hated it. I didn’t fit in anymore.”

Soon after, Stuart left school to join Lester Flatt’s band, The Nashville Grass, where he spent several years touring and performing at bluegrass festivals. During this time, he had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with some of the most iconic figures in music, including Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Chick Corea, the Eagles, Emmylou Harris, and Bob Dylan.

In 1979, following the death of Flatt, Stuart joined Johnny Cash’s backup band as a guitarist. He also continued his solo career, releasing his second album, Busy Bee Cafe, in 1982. The bluegrass album, which featured collaborations with Earl Scruggs, Johnny Cash, and Doc Watson, received critical acclaim.

Solo Career

During the mid-1980s, Marty Stuart married Cindy, the daughter of legendary country artist Johnny Cash. However, he parted ways with his father-in-law in 1985 to focus on his own musical path. Stuart began exploring rockabilly sounds, finding commercial success with his 1986 album Marty Stuart, which featured his first hit, “Arlene.” At this time, he also developed his stage persona, embracing bold, western-style suits and styling his hair in a signature tease.

On the personal front, Stuart and Cindy divorced in 1988. The following year, Stuart returned to prominence with Hillbilly Rock (1989), which propelled him into the top 10 of the country music charts with its title track. His popularity continued to grow with the 1991 album Tempted, which included hits such as “Burn Me Down” and “Little Things.” A major milestone in his career came in 1992 when he won his first Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration, alongside Travis Tritt, for their duet “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’.” The pair toured together and also scored another significant hit with “This One Is Going to Hurt (For a Long, Long Time).”

In 1993, Stuart earned another Grammy Award, this time for Best Country Instrumental Performance, for his collaboration with Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, and other country stars on “Red Wing.” Although his 1994 album Love and Luck did not achieve commercial success, Stuart remained a beloved figure in country music. That year, he also hosted the first of many Marty Party television specials.

Country Star

Stuart’s career remained in full swing as he collaborated with various iconic musicians, including Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and Travis Tritt. He also took on a behind-the-scenes role, producing tracks for artists such as George Ducas, Pam Tillis, and Jerry and Tammy Sullivan. Additionally, Stuart worked on film soundtracks, contributing to a wide range of movies, from the Steven Seagal action film Fire Down Below (1997) to the Western drama All The Pretty Horses (2000), for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.

In 1999, Stuart released The Pilgrim, a concept album that told the story of a man on a journey of self-discovery. Featuring contributions from country luminaries like Emmylou Harris, Earl Scruggs, and Pam Tillis, the album garnered positive critical reviews but did not achieve commercial success.

Stuart earned another Grammy Award in 2001 for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his rendition of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” recorded with banjo legend Earl Scruggs. The song, originally recorded by Scruggs and Lester Flatt decades earlier, became an enduring classic. The following year, Stuart formed his own backing band, the Fabulous Superlatives. With this group, he recorded several albums, including Country Music (2003) and Live at the Ryman (2006). The band also toured with iconic acts like Merle Haggard and the Old Crow Medicine Show.

Off Stage

Beyond his musical career, Stuart is a passionate collector of country music memorabilia. His extensive collection was showcased in the 2007 exhibition Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart’s American Musical Odyssey at the Tennessee State Museum. He also served as president of the Country Music Foundation from 1994 to 2001.

In addition to his musical talents, Stuart is an accomplished photographer. His work was published in the 1999 collection Pilgrims: Sinners, Saints, and Prophets and featured in Country Music: The Masters (2007), in which he shared memories of his long and influential career.

Personal Life

Stuart has been married to country singer Connie Smith since 1997. Their enduring relationship remains a key part of his personal and professional life.