Marty Stuart has witnessed plenty of renovations at the Grand Ole Opry since he began his music career in the late 1960s. But this week, he had the opportunity to usher in a change of his own to the century-old Nashville institution.
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As part of its 100th anniversary celebration this year, the Grand Ole Opry is paying tribute to the legends who have performed there. Stuart was there on Aug. 12 to honor Porter Wagoner. Joining him were Connie Smith, The Isaacs, Mandy Barnett, Old Crow Medicine Show's Ketch Secor, Rhett Akins, Chuck Mead, and Gordon Mote.
How Did Marty Stuart Know Porter Wagoner?
Known for his flashy rhinestone suits and touching ballads like "A Satisfied Mind," Wagoner was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1957. He was also the host of the TV show that bore his name from 1960-1981.
In addition to having his own long-running career, he helped launch the careers of many other artists. You know Dolly Parton, right? She was on the show for seven years. Her song "I Will Always Love You" was written about her departure from the program in 1974.
Stuart also appeared on Wagoner's show as part of the band Lester Flatt and The Nashville Grass in 1973. In the clip below, you can see a teenage Stuart playing mandolin.
Stuart would also produce Wagoner's 2007 album 'Wagonmaster.'
Stuart Paid Tribute to the Icon
At the event, Stuart talked about how he has followed Wagoner's lead in his own career. He added that it meant a lot to pay tribute to the icon.
Then the "Hillbilly Rock" singer unveiled a specially designed microphone stand. It's only the seventh one in the history of the Grand Ole Opry.
As you can see, the stand resembles the flashy wardrobe Wagoner made famous. It was also inspired by Stuart's own style, emulating the look he sported when he was inducted into the Opry in 1992.
According to Music Row, the stand was designed by Manuel Cuevas. It will be used for special performances at the Grand Ole Opry as part of its 100th anniversary celebration.
A similar microphone stand was also made in tribute to Dolly Parton. Carly Pearce performed "Jolene" behind it earlier this year.
Photo by Mickey Bernal/Getty Images
