Country Music Hall of Fame Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 17, 1999 |
![]() Marty appeared to have arrived early. Other dignitaries arrived by limousine. There was a parade of guitar players (led by Chet Atkins) who performed "Wildwood Flower" while everyone was arriving and getting settled in.
Marty brought with him the guitar Jimmie Rodgers used to record the Bristol sessions. Marty held the guitar as he spoke: "And I'm standing here holding the most precious possession in country music. This is the guitar that Jimmie Rodgers played at the Bristol sessions along with the other people up there that helped start country music. It's a precious day and this is what it's all about for me. We have fans from all over the world. We have our Hall of Fame members. We have executives. The genius of this city has invented something that's about to happen. Right behind us we have the mother church of country music (Ryman Auditorium). Today we're about to break ground on the sanctuary of country music. I think what Moses was told by God. He said 'Son take your shoes off. You're on Holy ground. This is Holy ground. This is Holy ground.' So many people have sacrificed their love and their life and their families for this moment. It's our treasure chest. As an artist, it's where we want to all wind up. Every note I play is aimed at this building, for the long haul. And I want to thank every one of you on the front row. I love you and I thank this City for letting a part of this. God Bless You Patsy Stone. Thank you very much." Marty was holding back the tears as he finished his emotional speech. Everyone joined in for "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Other country artists on stage included Clint Black, Mark Collie, Paul Brandt and Connie Smith. The new Hall of Fame is scheduled to open in May 2001.
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