You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Country Music’s Legacy<br />
in Mississippi<br />
When people think of classic country music, they think of the 60s and 70s and the likes<br />
of country greats Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams.<br />
This year is the time to discover the golden age of country music<br />
through the eyes of someone who lived it. Grammy-winning musician<br />
Marty Stuart has partnered with the Mississippi Department of Archives<br />
and History to tell the story of country music with emphasis on its lasting<br />
role within Mississippi. The World of Marty Stuart exhibit covers his life and<br />
legacy of preserving country music’s stories, photographs, instruments,<br />
costumes, and more.<br />
In his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Stuart began playing<br />
music at a young age. He first joined The Sullivans, a family bluegrass<br />
gospel group based in Alabama, and played guitar and mandolin with<br />
them until he eventually met bluegrass musician Roland White, who<br />
invited Stuart to back Lester Flatt’s band. After touring, Stuart recorded<br />
his first solo album, With a Little Help from My Friends, and went on to<br />
perform with various artists like Vassar Clements and Doc Watson<br />
before joining Johnny Cash’s band in 1980. Over time, Stuart collected<br />
memorabilia from shows played by fellow musicians, many of whom were<br />
friends and mentors of Stuart. His ultimate passion to preserve the legacy<br />
of country music strengthened as he continued to produce solo albums.<br />
Stuart later returned to his hometown of Philadelphia and began to<br />
cultivate his large collection of memorabilia. Hundreds of these priceless<br />
artifacts are currently housed at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson<br />
as part of The World of Marty Stuart exhibit, which launched in May.<br />
The exhibit features pieces of the golden age of country music including<br />
Stuart’s first guitar; original manuscripts from Hank Williams; guitars of<br />
Merle Haggard and Pops Staples; and costumes worn by Porter Wagoner,<br />
Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash, including Cash’s “Walk the Line”<br />
performance suit. Stuart and MDAH have curated a timeless exhibit,<br />
which includes personal pieces from his childhood.<br />
Hometown CLINTON • 25
Change language