Some of Nashville's greatest musicians gathered Sunday evening at Earl and Louise Scruggs' Oak Hill-area house to celebrate Earl's 78th birthday. Luminaries — including Vince Gill (wearing a Titans jersey with Derrick Mason's No. 85, no less), Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Marty Stuart, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, John Jorgenson, Mac Wiseman, Uncle Josh Graves, Jerry Douglas, Eddie Stubbs, Vassar Clements, Glen Duncan and Cowboy Jack Clement — were there, all arranged in a circle with Earl, and all playing and singing one bluegrass standard after another.

Sons Gary and Randy Scruggs were on hand, as were Gov. Don Sundquist, Kix Brooks, Hobie Hubbard of Sawyer Brown and a bunch of celebs, Earl pals, family and others.

When folks weren't picking and grinning, they were eating from a fine buffet (yes, there was cornbread stuffing!) and from a sheet cake with Earl's picture on it.

As good as the food was, though, music was the main draw. Earl, who was nominated for a Grammy last week, was in excellent form, and he even put down his banjo long enough to play a few songs on guitar.

The highlight of the evening may have been the a cappella rendition of gospel gem Precious Memories, featuring Earl, Marty, Glen Duncan and Stubbs, a WSM DJ.

By Brad Schmitt