| A versatile entertainer, singer, songwriter, and musician. Marty Stuart's unique ability to combine the classic roots of where country has been, with the cutting-edge of where country is going, has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected people in country music. This reputation was a key factor in TNN: The Nashville Network's decision to commit to having Stuart host a limited series of four one-hour specials in 1995.
The Marty Party, as each episode is dubbed, features Stuart and his entertaining friends performing in four musical styles, from honky tonk to gospel, in as many settings. Stuart is both host and music director for his specials. Among his 1994 endeavors, Stuart was recruited as music director and performer for CBS's "Best of Country '94" special, co-hosted by Clint Black and Travis Tritt, which telecast in February. He won his second Grammy Award last year for "Best Country Instrumental Performance" for his participation in Asleep at the Wheel's "Red Wing." Stuart's first Grammy was for "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'," a collaboration with Travis Tritt. He was just nominated for three more Grammy Awards including "Best Country Instrumental Performance" for "Marty Stuart Visits The Moon."
He was nominated for "Best Country Vocal Collaboration" for his work in Mark O'Connor's "The Devil Comes Back To Georgia" with Charlie Daniels, Johnny Cash, and Travis Tritt. He could win a third Grammy for his participation in the Tribute To the Music Of Bob Wills And The Texas Playboys album with Asleep at the Wheel in the "Best Country Album" category. Stuart was born in Mississippi and says he got most of his education--musical and otherwise--on the road, playing mandolin and guitar with Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash. He compares his years with Flatt to a high school education (he joined the band at the age of 13 in 1972). He says his six-year touring stint with Cash earned him a "university degree."
In developing a style of his own, Stuart immersed himself in the music of many "masters of hillbilly music" including Hank Williams Sr. and Ernest Tubb. He became a musician in high demand for studio and concert performances for a wide range of artists including Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Billy Joel. As a solo artist, Stuart has released four albums for MCA Records with hit songs including "Tempted" and "This One's Gonna Hurt You For A Long, Long Time." He has a new album, "The Marty Party Hit Pack," coming out in March.
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