Stuart, Marty

MARTY STUART

• From Philadelphia, Mississippi.
• Full name: John Martin Stuart. He was nicknamed Marty after country music legend Marty Robbins.
• Began in career in music working with fellow Mississippian Carl Jackson in the bluegrass gospel group The Sullivan Family.
• Hero: Clarence White (owns one of his guitars.)
• First exposure to bluegrass: heard Bill Monroe and the Sullivan Family at the National Guard Armory in Jackson, Alabama in 1970.
• 1972, at age 13 he played mandolin and lead guitar with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass (until Lester’s death in 1979.) Lester always referred to him as “Little Marty Stuart.”
• 1979-1985, worked with Johnny Cash.
• 1986, signed with CBS records and began his solo career.
• Describes his music as “hillbilly rock.” Released album and single by that name in 1989.
• 1992, toured with Travis Tritt in the “No Hats Tour.” Marty and Travis have recorded several hits songs together, including “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’ Anymore.”
• 1992, joined the Grand Ole Opry. Performed with The Opry Bluegrass Band (with Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill and Earl Scruggs). Also has a hillbilly band (called the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band) that performs on the Opry, playing old-time music. His touring band is called The Fabulous Superlatives.
• Hobby: photography. Has published a book of his photos featuring country and bluegrass music personalities.
• 2001, was elected to a fourth term as President of the Country Music Foundation. His personal collection of memorabilia is on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• 2000, 2006, hosted the IBMA Awards Show.
• 2005, released Live At The Ryman album (Universal) with his band the Fabulous Superlatives and special guests.
• 2008, began hosting his own TV program on the RFD-TV network.