MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Jordan (18th)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING COUNTRY MUSICIAN MARTY STUART OF PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE GOVERNOR'S EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS AWARD FOR ARTIST'S ACHIEVEMENT.

WHEREAS, "Country music is the language of America. It's common-people music. You know it's accessible; it's true-life blues," says Grammy Award winning, country musician, Marty Stuart, who has joined his musical talent with the traditions of country music as the foundation for his career; and

WHEREAS, as a mandolin playing youth from Philadelphia, Mississippi, he played with Bluegrass-Gospel group, the "Sullivans," before he began touring as a thirteen-year-old with Lester Flatt and his band; and

WHEREAS, following his years with Flatt, Mr. Stuart joined the band of legendary singer Johnny Cash and performed with him until embarking upon his own solo career; however, the relationships and contacts he made with the forefathers of country music during his early years of touring greatly influenced his role in the music world today; and

WHEREAS, he is described by Jay Orr, music critic for the Tennessean, as the "archivist and young soul of Nashville country music tradition."; and

WHEREAS, Serving his second term as the President of the Country Music Foundation, he maintains his own collection of old guitars, photographs, vintage clothing and other country music memorabilia, which he shares with the foundation for exhibits; and

WHEREAS, as a songwriter, his works include, "Same Old Train," featuring performances by Clint Black and Randy Travis and "Milk and Honey Bound" by Pam Tillis; and

WHEREAS, his latest album is scheduled to be released in early 1999:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Grammy-award winning country musician Marty Stuart of Philadelphia, Mississippi, upon his receipt of the Governor's Excellence in the Arts Award for Artist's Achievement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Marty Stuart at the awards ceremony on March 19, 1999, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.