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COUNTRY MUSIC STAR MARTY STUART’S MUSIC MEMORABILIA COLLECTION PREMIERES AT THE TENNESSEE STATE MUSEUM
Treasures From The Late Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Elvis Are Among Those Featured
For further information
Contact: Paulette Fox
615/741-2692
pfox@tnmuseum.org
Nashville, Tenn.--- March 28, 2007 – A special country music memorabilia collection on loan from renowned country music artist Marty Stuart will be presented at the Tennessee State Museum from June 6 through November 11.
Entitled Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart’s American Musical Odyssey, the exhibition represents more than 40 years of the classic musical greats behind country, bluegrass, rock, and southern gospel music. It includes such outstanding pieces as: Patsy Cline’s cosmetic valise; Elvis Presley’s sweater; a Johnny Cash “Man in Black” suit; Hank Williams, Sr.’s handwritten lyrics to “Your Cheatin’ Heart;” and an early Elton John custom-cowboy inspired sparkled suit complete with rhinestone-studded holster.
This uniquely American collection illustrates the impact of fashion and music on the popular culture of America as revealed through performance costumes, accessories, handwritten lyrics, personal letters, instruments owned by country music legends, and unpublished photographs. The exhibition embraces the story of Stuart’s personal experiences with some of the most famous stars of country music. Stuart’s fervor for preserving, protecting and personifying the story behind these indigenous musical art forms served as the inspiration for the exhibition.
“I believe country music holds a prominent place within the arts. For many years, I have been passionate about collecting and archiving the treasures of country music and its people,” said Stuart. “Now it is my joy to collaborate with the Tennessee State Museum in bringing these treasures back for the world to see and enjoy.”
Stuart purposefully acquired the colorfully embroidered and bejeweled stage wear from the masters of country couture design (including Manuel, Nudie, Turk, and Jaime) while traveling and performing on the world stage with Lester Flatt, Johnny Cash, and Porter Wagoner, among others.
“This is truly an exciting show to bring to the museum,” said Lois Riggins-Ezzell, executive director. “We believe Stuart’s Sparkle & Twang collection is among the most outstanding assemblages of authentic music memorabilia ever amassed.”
Select items from the Marty Stuart Collection have been on loan previously to such institutions as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH, and The Louvre in Paris, France.
Following its premiere showing at the museum, the exhibition will travel to other museums as Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart’s American Musical Odyssey.
The Tennessee State Museum is located at Fifth and Deaderick Streets in downtown Nashville. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays. The museum is free to the public.