Five-time Grammy-winner Marty Stuart and fiddler extraordinaire Jim Brock have more in common than their Southern roots. Their relationship traces back to Stuart’s childhood, when the Philadelphia, Miss., native’s parents attended as many Carl Sauceman and the Green Valley Boys’ shows as they could. Brock was with the legendary group for 10 years.
“His mama and daddy used to come to every show, even before Marty was born; I’ve been knowing him since he was a little kid,” said Brock, 78, of Aliceville, Ala.
The master musicians enjoyed the opportunity to occasionally perform together when their paths crossed throughout their careers, but it’s been quite a while. In January they were reunited, when Stuart invited Brock to Nashville, Tenn., to guest on a taping of “The Marty Stuart Show.” The episode will air on RFD-TV May 4-6.
“I was real honored to get the call,” said the quiet-spoken Brock, a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Although from different generations, both Brock and Stuart blossomed musically early in life. By the age of 17, Brock was already a professional fiddler and soon playing with Sauceman and other icons including Jim and Jesse McReynolds, Bill Monroe and Charlie Louvin. He logged numerous Grand Ole Opry appearances.
Stuart was recruited in his early teens to join up with bluegrass legend Lester Flatt. The young musician later spent six years in Johnny Cash’s band before evolving into a charting solo artist and producer. He has since become a flamekeeper for traditional country music. His program has often been a showcase for venerable artists like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Ray Price.
The 30-minute show with Brock took about an hour and a half to tape in a studio strewn with hay and filled with country music memorabilia. Also performing during the taping were Stuart’s wife, Country Music Hall of Fame member Connie Smith, and his Fabulous Superlatives band.
A September 2012 article in The Tennessean described Stuart’s television show as a “cultural document” filled with country greats.
“Marty believes in the Grand Ole Opry and WSM, where it all came from,” said Brock, referencing the storied radio station that played a critical role in the careers of so many. “Sometimes it’s the older the better with him, and I kindly appreciate him for that.”
“The Marty Stuart Show” with Brock will air May 4 at 7 p.m., May 5 at 9 a.m., and May 6 at 2 p.m. on RFD-TV.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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