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Chapel Hart, Vince Gill, Chris Stapleton, Charlie Worsham, and Others Honor Marty Stuart
Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum celebrated the addition of the Marty Stuart Collection to the Museum’s permanent holdings. Stuart’s collection of more than 22,000 items is the largest private assemblage of country music artifacts in the world, joining the world’s largest public collection held by the Museum.
This acquisition was made possible through the generosity of Stuart, along with a lead preservation gift from the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation and major additional support from Loretta and Jeff Clarke.
Many items from the Marty Stuart Collection will be on display as part of the Museum’s permanent exhibition, “Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present,” which takes visitors chronologically through the history of country music. Artifacts on display rotate often and Stuart’s collection will play a key role in the exhibit’s narrative and the Museum’s educational mission.
As part of the acquisition agreement, the Museum has entered a longstanding collaboration with Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi, where it will exhibit items from the Marty Stuart Collection at its forthcoming museum. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will loan additional artifacts from its own permanent collection for display, as well as provide preservation, education, and administrative consultation and support to the Congress.
Country music trio Chapel Hart performed “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” with recording artist and songwriter Charlie Worsham playing a 1970 Fender Telecaster once owned by Pops Staples, the patriarch and a member of gospel and R&B group the Staple Singers, who recorded the song. Staples played the instrument in the film “The Last Waltz,” performing “The Weight” with the Staple Singers and the Band at the final performance by the original lineup of the rock group.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill performed “Marty & Me,” a newly written song by Gill and Stuart, playing George Jones's 1957 Martin D-28 guitar, customized with unique, mother-of-pearl inlays and Jones’s name on the fingerboard.
Grammy-winning artist Chris Stapleton performed “Why Me,” which was recorded by Johnny Cash and previously written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson. Stapleton played Cash’s Martin D-45 acoustic guitar, which previously belonged to Hank Williams and later Johnny Cash.
Marty Stuart closed the ceremony with performances of Flatt & Scruggs’s “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down" and "Flint Hill Special" with members of the Earls of Leicester.
The backing band for the event included members of the Earls of Leicester and consisted of Mike Bub (bass), Shawn Camp (acoustic guitar), Charlie Cushman (banjo), Jimmy Stewart (dobro), Johnny Warren (fiddle), and Jeff White (mandolin).
The Marty Stuart Collection spans over a century of country music history and includes more than 1,000 stage wear and clothing items, 100 instruments, 50 original song manuscripts, and more. Items in the collection include significant artifacts from Country Music Hall of Fame members Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and many others. Additionally, Stuart’s collection includes items from his own Country Music Hall of Fame career, including his expansive collection of photographs, taken by Stuart himself, which have been exhibited at museums and published in books.
Friday, July 19, 2024
New Music Video From Vince Gill & The Oak Ridge Boys - "Elvira" (Live at the Opry)
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Monday, October 30, 2023
Highlights Of The 2023 Country Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Singer Patty Loveless, songwriter Bob McDill, and singer Tanya Tucker officially joined the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 22, in a star-studded Medallion Ceremony at the Museum’s @CMATheater. It was an evening filled with once-in-a-lifetime musical performances and heartfelt, and at times tearful, testimonials.
Those presenting musical highlights from the inductees’ careers included Country Music Hall of Fame members Dean Dillon, Vince Gill, Charlie McCoy, and Wynonna Judd. They were joined by Brandi Carlile, Jessi Colter, Charley Crockett, Jamey Johnson, Margo Price, Bob Seger, and Sister Sadie. Country Music Hall of Fame member Wynonna Judd led the audience in the ceremonial closing song, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Following longstanding custom, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, chosen by the inductee, welcomed each new member. Vince Gill inducted Patty Loveless, Don Schlitz inducted Bob McDill, and Brenda Lee and Connie Smith inducted Tanya Tucker.
Filled with soaring musical performances and moving tributes, the Medallion Ceremony showcased the camaraderie and the broad range of talent—from legends to newcomers—that define the country music community.
Watch the video and experience some of the special tributes that members of the music community shared in honoring these newest inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
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Wednesday, July 12, 2023
When Pop and Rock Influenced Country: Notable Country Hits Written by Pop or Rock Artists
But Combs isn't the only one to have a crossover hit written by someone from the pop/rock genre of music.
Country music has long been recognized as a distinct genre known for its storytelling, strong vocals, and genuine emotion. But despite its strong roots and character, this music genre hasn't been immune to influences from others, including rock and pop. Some of the most recognizable and iconic country hits between 1970 and 2010 were penned by artists more widely known for their pop or rock contributions. This cross-genre creativity has yielded unforgettable tracks that resonated deeply with country music lovers and wider audiences alike. Let's explore some of these unique and memorable collaborations.
"Seven Year Ache" by Rosanne Cash (1981)
First on our list is "Seven Year Ache," a song that topped the Billboard country chart in 1981. Rosanne Cash, a country music artist and the daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash, performed this number. Interestingly, it was written by her then-husband, Rodney Crowell, who dabbled in both country and rock music genres. Crowell's songwriting and Cash's interpretation led to a song that combined the storytelling of country music with the rhythmic elements of rock.
"Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson (1982)
Initially recorded by pop artist Brenda Lee and later by the "King" himself, Elvis Presley, "Always on My Mind" was written by pop songwriters Johnny Christopher, Mark James, and Wayne Carson. The song eventually found its most successful rendition in the hands of the country icon, Willie Nelson. Nelson's version brought a hauntingly beautiful melancholy to the song, which resonated with country music lovers, winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1982.
"Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton (1983)
Arguably one of the most famous country duets of all time, "Islands in the Stream" was not written by a country artist at all, but by the pop powerhouse trio, the Bee Gees. Originally intended as an R&B song for Marvin Gaye, the Bee Gees offered it to Kenny Rogers, who decided it was perfect for a duet with Dolly Parton. The song showcases a blend of catchy pop hooks and country harmonies, which created a universally loved hit that topped both country and pop charts.
"When I Call Your Name" by Vince Gill (1990)
The heartfelt "When I Call Your Name" was co-written by Tim DuBois, who worked predominantly in the pop genre before crossing over into country. Vince Gill, known for his soulful voice and touching lyrics, gave the song its country flavor. The song won the 1991 CMA Single of the Year, establishing DuBois as a successful crossover songwriter and further cementing Gill's place in country music history.
"Wide Open Spaces" by Dixie Chicks (1998)
"Dixie Chicks" brought "Wide Open Spaces" to the forefront of country music in 1998, but the song was actually written by Susan Gibson of the pop/rock band, The Groobees. This song beautifully captures the theme of independence and exploration, winning the Grammy for Best Country Album and paving the way for more cross-genre songwriting.
"Need You Now" by Lady A (2009)
One of the biggest country hits of the 2000s, "Need You Now" was co-written by Josh Kear, who has written for pop artists like Carrie Underwood and Shakira. Performed by the country group Lady A, the song became an instant hit, reaching number one on the country charts and crossing over to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This powerful ballad of longing and love showcases how pop elements can enhance a country song, leading to its universal appeal.
From these examples, it's evident that the lines between genres are not as rigid as they seem. Great music often arises from these intersections, creating unforgettable tunes that resonate with listeners from all walks of life. As we continue to see more collaboration and influence between genres, we can only anticipate the richness and diversity that future country music holds in store.