Marty At A Glance and Marty's Gear: A Selection

Born, Philadelphia, Mississippi, September 30, 1958

As a 12-year-old mandolin whiz, he begins backing the Sullivan Family Singers, a gospel / bluegrass group

He is recruited to play in bluegrass great Lester Flatt's band in 1972; remains in the group until Flatt's death in 1979. Performances preserved on album, Once Upon A Time (CMH Records, P. O. Box 39439, Los Angeles, CA 90039).

Before starting his solo career, he performs with Vassar Clements' jazz / bluegrass fusion group, Doc Watson's road band and, in the early Eighties, in the Johnny Cash Band. Stuart was briefly Cash's son-in-law.

Records Marty Stuart, major label debut on CBS in 1985; commercial success elusive. Follow-up CBS album Let There Be Country remains unissued until 1992.

Signed to MCA and issues Hillbilly Rock in 1989 with hit singles "Western Girls" and "Hillbilly Rock." In 1991, he releases Tempted featuring title song and "Burn Me Down." 1993 album, This One's Gonna Hurt You, goes Gold. 1991 duet with Travis Tritt, "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'," wins Grammy Award for Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.

Initiates and produces bluegrass gospel album, A Joyful Noise, by old musical colleagues Jerry and Tummy Sullivan (CMF Records, 4 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203).

Joins Asleep At The Wheel, Vince Gill, Chet Atkins, George Straight on 1993 tribute album to Bob Wills; duets with the Staple Singers on Rhythm, Country and Blues collection.

Releases Love and Luck in 1994.