Grammy winner Marty Stuart might be the epitome of hunky, but he also puts the "show" in showmanship. The charismatic Stuart returns to the Northwest for a concert February 20 at Wildhorse Casino in Pendleton.

Stuart has had a string of hits since he exploded onto the country music charts in the early 1990s. Though he stays true to his country roots, his music crosses into all sorts of genres from rockabilly to honky-tonk to country rock.

That's one reason Stuart is considered one of the most eclectic musicians on the circuit.

He's performed twice in the Tri-Cities. The first was in 1992 when he toured with Travis Tritt on the No Hat Tour that made a stop at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. The following year Stuart performed at the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo.

His hit list includes "Arlene," "Hillbilly Rock" and "Tempted," as well as his latest release Ghost Train, which is devoted to his traditional country roots.

At 52, Stuart isn't slowing down and still has all the charm and good looks that have kept his concerts jammed with fans.

In a previous interview with the Tri-City Herald, Stuart said his music might cross over into a new age of country rock but he hangs tight to his hillbilly roots. "I grew up in the backwoods of Mississippi and I'm proud of where I came from," he said. That loyalty is found in his music, which he describes this way: "It rocks, it twangs, there's a harmony thing with blues in there, too."

And even if most of what Stuart performs digs deep into traditional country, he admits to still having a wild streak.

"I love what I do," he said. "And I love the people I play to."

By Don O'Neal