Marty Stuart Makes Historic Donation to Country Hall of Fame
Marty’s Stuart’s massive collection of over 22,000 country music artifacts is now officially in the care and possession of the Country Music Hall of Fame. On Tuesday afternoon, August 20th at a special and previously-unannounced ceremony at the Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater, Marty Stuart officially turned over the largest private collection of country music artifacts to the largest public collection of artifacts held by the Hall of Fame in Nashville.
For over 50 years, Marty Stuart has been growing his list of important country music items that includes over 100 instruments, more than 1,000 stage costumes, 50 original song manuscripts, and thousands of other various pieces of memorabilia. It includes items from country music greats such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, A.P. Carter, and Marty Stuart himself.
Some items came to Marty Stuart via donation. Others he purchased with his own money. Still others were saved from dumpsters and trash bins when whole swaths of country music history were cast aside in the ’90s as Rhinestone suits and other finery became outdated to the mainstream country music industry. Now all of these items will be preserved for the public forevermore.
The donation also marks a partnership between the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music in Marty’s hometown in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Part of the inspiration for the learning, display, and performance space in Mississippi was to give a permanent home to Marty Stuart’s collection. Some of the artifacts will remain in Mississippi, but the partnership also means that Country Music Hall of Fame artifacts can now be displayed at the Congress of Country Music as well.
For many years, many of the major exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame borrowed from Marty Stuart’s private collection to fill out displays. Now they will be able to return the favor.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Marty’s philanthropy—and a lead gift from the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation with major support from Loretta and Jeff Clarke—for enabling the museum to safeguard and share this historic collection in perpetuity,” said Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young. “We’re here to celebrate this remarkable addition to our collection, revel in Marty’s extraordinary foresight and collecting skill, and rejoice in a new chapter for this museum.”
As part of the ceremony, Mississippi-based country trio Chapel Hart performed “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” with Charlie Worsham playing a 1970 Fender telecaster owned by Pops Staples. Vince Gill performed a new song called “Marty & Me” written with Marty Stuart while playing a 1958 Martin D-28 owned by George Jones. Chris Stapleton performed “Why Me Lord” on a Martin D-45 owned by both Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, and Marty Stuart closed out the ceremony with Shawn Camp playing “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down” on Lester Flatt’s Martin D-28 guitar.
The backing band for the event included members of the Earls of Leicester, including Mike Bub (bass), Shawn Camp (acoustic guitar), Charlie Cushman (banjo), Jimmy Stewart (dobro), Johnny Warren (fiddle) and Jeff White (mandolin).
“This is a top of the world moment for me,” said Marty Stuart. “To have my collection live alongside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s is monumental, to be a part of a ceremony and witness the Congress of Country Music and its people formally welcomed into the family of country music is a spiritual high. And, to share such a gathering with family and friends from both Nashville, as well as Mississippi, is just the best. Such a day only comes along once in a lifetime.”
August 21, 2024 @ 9:59 am
There has been an inside joke for years about Marty pulling the cowboy boots and pinky rings off the dead bodies of country stars for years. He was once admonished by the CMHOF for pretending to rep them, only to take the country treasures acquired and stash them in his own “museum.” Some day the real story of MS will be written.
August 21, 2024 @ 10:30 am
There is definitely a gray area between swooping in when someone passes and making sure the physical representations of their musical legacy are preserved, and taking advantage of a situation after someone dies for your own financial benefit. I’m sure as Marty has been collecting items, some have felt he’s perhaps been a little too pushy or crossed a line at times, because as soon as the estate auction happens, good luck trying to get your hands on anything. But Marty literally just donated his entire collection. So the idea he was out for his own financial gain doesn’t really make sense. Maybe it was more of a legacy project to him. But either way, this stuff is now being preserved in a public collection as opposed to one rich bastard displaying it in his living room like so many important musical artifacts, and that seems like a good thing.
Also, Marty Stuart has worked closely with the Hall of Fame for years. I know for a fact that he loaned things like the Maddox Brothers and Rose’s suits to the Hall of Fame for their Bakersfield Sound exhibit. He’s also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and they just threw a big gala to honor his donation yesterday. So if there was bad blood there, it doesn’t show publicly.
Not saying Marty Stuart is flawless. But it’s pretty clear that his mind was always on preservation.
August 21, 2024 @ 10:35 am
I agree, Trigger.
Much history is inadvertently thrown away. If Marty stepped on a few toes to ensure a valuable historic item is saved, so be it.
August 21, 2024 @ 10:44 am
Believe what you will. My source is at the CMHOF and from the families themselves. Some of which was uncovered during the research of a book published by Hachette. My understanding is this is reconciliation to avoid legal action.
August 21, 2024 @ 11:30 am
My only belief is that a bunch of culturally important items that should be preserved for the public and the future have been preserved in this move. I was surprised by the announcement. It seems strange to me they had this massive ceremony at the Ford theater and the press and public weren’t notified. If Marty Stuart is a vulture, people need to step forward and explain that as opposed to signing NDAs like everybody does these days so we never know the truth of matters. If there is a deeper story, I’m all ears. I was reaching out to numerous folks last night trying to get more information beyond the press releases. All I heard was positive.
My only direct interaction with Marty Stuart and his preservation efforts had to do with the Maddox Brothers and Rose. Marty purchased all of their old costumes from Don Maddox in Oregon, and PAID Don for them, and promised to preserve them. He then flew Don out to Nashville, got him on the Grand Ole Opry, and had him sit for the Ken Burns Country Music documentary. Don Maddox and his now widow have nothing but positive things to say about Marty.
August 21, 2024 @ 6:21 pm
Many of the Maddox costumes were made by Nathan Turk, I believe.
August 23, 2024 @ 5:36 am
Marty’s reverence and admiration for the
“dance with who brung you” Country Music stars on his TV show and the collection of their artifacts is evidence of his commitment to preserving the memories of the “3 chords and the truth”
Country Stars. I’m glad he did it.
August 21, 2024 @ 4:55 pm
A real Hachette job lol
August 21, 2024 @ 2:51 pm
The CMHoF acquired a full set of Maddox Bros. costumes directly from Rose back in the early 1980s. The curator at that time knew Rose and he hand-picked the items. Marty bought was left a few years later.
August 21, 2024 @ 3:06 pm
Very interesting.
August 21, 2024 @ 4:32 pm
If Marty didn’t buy those items who would have? Some rich person who isn’t a musician? Someone looking to flip the item for profit?
I do get angry about some people trying to get a “steal” from people who are selling a loved one’s items. I have no reason to think this is the case with Marty but it absolutely happens.
August 22, 2024 @ 1:49 pm
I have mixed feelings on this for sure. On one hand he’s safely (as far as we know) preserved an unprecedented amount of items connected to legends, no doubt some that many today don’t have a clue about, and would have been lost. The CMHOF should have better means of properly preserving and safe guarding the collection, surely better than MS had the capability of providing. In that regard this should be a major positive. However, I’d like to see a full list of what was donated, mostly out of interest but also so we could learn the backstory on how he acquired each “artifact” (legitimately or unscrupulously) or at least the more significant donations. I’m only specifically aware of a handful of items and a couple in particular leave a bad taste in my mouth. Don Rich’s (I believe) Telecaster. As I recall Buck beckoned Don’s boys to the Crystal Palace in like the ‘90s with the guitar. He wanted to put it on display but the boys were just thrilled to get meet with him and talk about their dad for the first time as adults. He totally dismissed them and wound up giving the legendary instrument to Stuart. There’s no doubt he knew or learned about this over the years and should have returned it to the Rich family. Hank III was on his show once or twice and he “let him” wear his Pap’s suit. That rubbed me the wrong way as well. I’ve never been a big fan of his, but appreciate some of things he’s done. I hope this turns out to be entirely on the up and up but am skeptical.
August 22, 2024 @ 2:37 pm
“I’d like to see a full list of what was donated, mostly out of interest but also so we could learn the backstory on how he acquired each “artifact” (legitimately or unscrupulously)…”
Amen to this!
August 22, 2024 @ 5:08 pm
It is weird that random commentators on here seem to have an issue with Marty rather than the people he’s actually dealt with in person. If Hank3 had a problem with the guy he literally would’ve never interacted with him.
August 21, 2024 @ 9:59 am
My question is.. why? Marty spent his life building this collection and just opened the Congress of Country Music in his hometown. The Hall of Fame doesn’t have enough room for most of its artifacts to get viewed and a lot of stuff never gets seen. I have all the respect in the world for the CMHoF but Marty set up a great spot for a new, great country music museum.
August 21, 2024 @ 10:09 am
Great tax deduction. At his age that’s a lot to take care of and the cost of managing it is just going to grow. No children to leave it to so letting the museum handle it make the most sense.
August 21, 2024 @ 10:18 am
Yes, this stuff too. Marty can’t take this stuff with him when he dies. All the more reason to put it in a public trust forevermore.
August 21, 2024 @ 10:17 am
I have to say that I was somewhat surprised by this move as well. The Hall of Fame has the iconic white Hank Williams suit with the black musical notes on it, and it’s not on display. As I reported in an article just yesterday, they have the jukebox Steve Goodman bought for John Prine for the writing credit on “You Never Even Called Me By My Name.” Nobody can see it. It’s not like they’re hiding these things. There’s just only so much display room, and stuff gets cycled in and out. But it’s not like the Hall of Fame is hurting for stuff.
What I can say is that Marty Stuart has struggled to get the Congress of Country Music fully open over the last few years as it seems donations have slowed. Marty’s donation also comes with a massive financial donation from two other parties—Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, and Loretta and Jeff Clarke. The numbers and where those donations are going has not been disclosed, but this might be the final push to finally get the Congress of Country Music open in full, and allow the Congress to borrow from the Hall of Fame when populating their displays, giving the opportunity for certain artifacts to finally come out of the archives, and into public view.
But honestly, I really don’t know the minute details, and they’re not disclosing them. What I can say after talking to some folks involved with the Congress of Country Music, they’re very happy about this development. So hopefully this means Marty’s vision for the Congress can finally be realized, even if it means relinquishing ownership of items.
It will be interesting to see what happens next.
August 21, 2024 @ 2:44 pm
@Zach–Why?–
It sounds like Marty is merging his collection and the “Congress” into the H-o-F.
I think it makes sense. He doesn’t have the staff to manage it like the H-o-F does.
And Marty is evidently doing pretty well touring with his band. I just looked it up and they’re schduled to perform this September-November in the South- and Northeast U.S. and also have a tour through th UK–England, Scotland and Ireland.
Looks like Marty would rather be a performing artist–while he still can–than manage a shrine to past artists. Seems like a no-brainer, actually.
August 21, 2024 @ 3:00 pm
Artifact preservation is very expensive. A secure, environmentally sound space, materials and hardware needed to preserve items over the long haul requires a lot of dough. Factor in a couple of trained professional curators to maintain, prep and monitor the collection, may be an expense that cannot be taken on at this point. This collection is where it belongs.
August 21, 2024 @ 6:13 pm
Most museums only display a fraction of their collection at any given time. There are several variables including environmental factors especially if the item is fragile. Other considerations include where an object might fit into the storyline of an exhibit.
August 22, 2024 @ 8:20 am
The hall of fame reportedly has over 2 million items and growing. Impossible amount to display and much of it will never be seen. Problem I see is in the event of a catastrophe. What if there’s a fire? Flooding is a possibility too as we seen in 2010 pretty sure the basement had some water in it.
Glad someone is doing it who appreciates the stuff and sees the value in it. There isn’t enough people who do that or have the money as well as connections to get it.
August 21, 2024 @ 10:03 am
The word historic has become overused, but is entirely appropriate in this instance. Good for Marty for ensuring these items will be preserved.
August 21, 2024 @ 10:41 am
any connection between this sudden HUGE donation and his recent induction to the CMHOF?
August 21, 2024 @ 1:29 pm
Does it matter?
August 21, 2024 @ 2:07 pm
Yeah, it does, if a deal was made to induct him in exchange for his possessions.
August 22, 2024 @ 6:15 am
lol i’m not the only one wondering, that rumor has persisted for a while.
August 21, 2024 @ 2:12 pm
First off, Marty Stuart was inducted in 2020, or four years ago. So if this was a quid pro quo, there sure is a lot of latency between the two events.
Also, the Hall of Fame members are selected by the CMA and a committee they field, not by the Hall of Fame building or organization, which houses the Hall of Fame rotunda and all of the artifacts. I’m sure there is some overlap there, but it’s kind of two different organizations. I believe they set it up that way just in part to make sure people couldn’t donate their way in. See Mike Curb.
August 21, 2024 @ 6:14 pm
Nope.
August 21, 2024 @ 6:43 pm
Are you of the opinion that Marty Stuart doesn’t belong in the CMHOF?
August 22, 2024 @ 1:48 am
More so than a sports hall of fame, choosing someone for induction to the Country Music H-o-F is so subjective that I really don’t object to anyone who was admitted. Ray Stevens? Not someone I ever would have chosen, but he’s a one-of-a-kind entertainer and industry personality and if they chose to honor him, it’s fine with me.
Lee Greenwood. He’s not in, but “God Bless the USA” transcended country music and literally became part of the country’s history, being played at the White House and on the Mall at major national events, with Presidents and other high officials singing along. If they decide that that merits him being inducted, I’d be fine with that.
Marty Stuart. I don’t think he makes it based strictly on his own records, but if you think of him as an ambassador for honoring and keeping alive multiple eras of country music, I think it puts him over, and I was happy when he was chosen.
August 21, 2024 @ 11:47 am
A few years ago I was visiting family in Eugene, Oregon, and Marty and the Superlatives were playing a 4th of July show. I took my mother and it was an incredible day. The highlight was the unexpected and unannounced appearance of Don Maddox. Marty had brought him up from Southern Oregon and introduced the crowd to “Country Music Royalty.” Don was clearly delighted and honored. I’ll never forget the generosity that Marty showed to Don Maddox, and the joy that provided for many of us.
After the show I talked to Don and told him I once met this sister Rose. Don’s comment was, “Everyone met my sister.” He had a twinkle in his eye.
August 21, 2024 @ 12:54 pm
If this was around 2013-2015, I believe this would be the trip Stuart made exclusively to Oregon to hang out with Don, to secure the stage clothes from the Maddox Brothers & Rose, which were arguably the germination point for the Nudie Suit phenomenon in country music.
August 21, 2024 @ 6:15 pm
Many of the Maddox costumes were made by Nathan Turk, I believe.
August 21, 2024 @ 12:02 pm
That Marty Stewart is a real stand up guy, and a great artist. Thank you from future generations
August 21, 2024 @ 2:05 pm
maybe CMHOF will be able to burn the tyler hubbard/brian kelly exhibit with all their influx of cool new items.
August 21, 2024 @ 2:36 pm
Looks like ole’Marty outsmarted most of you, this stuff would be in a pawn shop or thrift store if ya’ll had your way
August 21, 2024 @ 4:28 pm
I still think something of Hank Williams should have been given to Hank3. The guy has almost nothing of his grandfather’s.
August 22, 2024 @ 12:06 am
Wow, a lot of people dumping on Marty Stuart for some reason.
August 22, 2024 @ 1:33 am
Kind of him. He is responsible for preserving a lot of material vital to country music’s history. He deserves credit. Hopefully, room can be found to display more items. I was surprised to read above that the iconic Hank Williams white suit was not on display. Whatever, I have always enjoyed my visits and there are so much interesting items.
August 22, 2024 @ 6:18 am
Whatever the backstory is for Marty’s generous donation, it’s ultimately a great thing for country music history.
As a previous post indicated warehousing precious one-of-kind articles in a safe climate-controlled environment has to be an expensive proposition. Not to mention storing them in a facility located in a hurricane-prone gulf coast state places them in significant peril.
Additional good news is that a partnership with Marty’s Congress Of Country Music will allow more memorabilia to regularly see the light of day, I’m guessing that Marty’s museum will likely display more of the vintage material from true country legends like Hank Williams, George Jones & Johnny Cash. As opposed to the Country Music Hall Of Fame that today seems to focus more of their exhibits on recent performers that are “country” in name only.
Too bad that they bulldozed the original Country Hall Of Fame building in Nashville. That would have been been an excellent showcase for vintage country exhibits featuring the true country legends. They could’ve then used their new facility for displays of anemic 21st century acts that actually perform 80’s pop, southern rock & rap – but not anything that resembles real country music.
August 22, 2024 @ 11:20 am
Forget Clapton … Marty is God(like)!
August 23, 2024 @ 1:15 pm
Marty Stuart has always been an ambassador and historian for country and bluegrass music and photographer also. When you start out with Lester Flatt at 13, how could you not be.
Hank III needs to receive something of his grandfather’s from his father who got it for free as opposed items Marty paid for. I also heard from a reliable source that after Don Helms death, who was Hank Williams steel player on most of his records, as well as many other stars, when his steel guitar was up for sale, Marty and Vince Gill purchased it for a hefty amount to donate it to CMHOF and God bless them for that.
September 3, 2024 @ 2:21 pm
This is for “Hank” who started this discussion. Not sure where your from Bro but my Mamma taught me – If you don’t have nothing good to say don’t say nothing at all. She would also tell you Let he who is without sin cast the first stone…. Love ya Hanky boy
September 5, 2024 @ 8:35 am
Tv clip (with Marty) on the donation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5jouXWeOLA