“Marty has taught me so much about preserving the heritage of the people I have loved so dearly,” she said. I have always loved its people.” Saying that she has no idea what happened to mementos from her early career, she told the story about when Stuart slipped Hank Williams’ jacket on her as a surprise. “I am so proud to have a part in the legacy of country music. “Country music is such a part of my heart, and I am so blessed to be a part of country music’s family,” said Smith. The 90-minute ceremony was often lighthearted, as Smith and Stuart emphasized their love for each other and the special place country music holds in their hearts.
Not one to miss a beat, Gill countered, “I’ll bring Kanye West if you bring Con-nay Smith.” “I’ll show you the warehouse if you bring Kanye West,” Stuart replied, referencing Gill’s Grammy joke earlier in the week. In a running joke, Gill declared that he wanted to see the warehouse where Stuart stores his stuff. Guests at the museum’s Ford Theater included Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Earl Scruggs and radio personality Eddie Stubbs, all of whom sang with Stuart on stage. Telling a story about how she was discovered, Smith gave the museum an acetate of her first RCA recording session, in which she recorded her breakout single, “Once a Day.” During the event, Stuart and Smith each performed with their own bands, then joined for a duet version of Buck Owens’ “Your Tender Loving Care,” a song they listened to on their wedding night. Stuart also contributed the satchel Hank Williams used to carry his songs, as well as the suitcase and overcoat Williams was traveling with on the night he died. In the middle of Mississippi, so many kinds of music came, but it was Nashville and country music that pulled my heart.”Īdditional gifts included the Dobro played by Roy Nichols on the opening measures of Merle Haggard’s classic recording of “Mama Tried,” along with boots and a Manuel jacket worn by Johnny Cash and the famous 1950 Martin D-28 guitar belonging to bluegrass giant Lester Flatt.
“Whether it was a Country Song Round-Up or a photograph or a record collection, it was country music that drew my heart. “This all started in my bedroom at home, way before I left Mississippi,” Stuart said.
Their donations included guitars, stage wear and other notable pieces from their private collection. Marty Stuart and Connie Smith presented a “love gift” to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on Wednesday (Feb.