Watch Marty Stuart

Marty Stuart is a music documentary series that premiered on the EMI platform in 2020. The series focuses on the life and career of American country music singer, songwriter, and musician, Marty Stuart. The show is a fascinating representation of the artist's journey through the music industry, with deep insights into his individual experiences and the music that influenced his career.

The show is a collection of interviews, archival footage, and performances that offer viewers an intimate look into Stuart's life. One of the main themes of the series is the relationship between Marty and country legend Johnny Cash. Stuart's first band, the "Sullivan Family," opened for Cash at a show in Mississippi in the 1970s and it was there that Stuart first met his lifelong friend and mentor. Cash would later invite a young Stuart to join his touring band, The Tennessee Two, which launched his career as a professional musician. This experience with Cash provided Stuart a personal perspective on what making real country music is and the importance of authenticity to the genre.

Throughout the show, the audience gets to relive Stuart's earliest days as a musician, growing up in the small town of Philadelphia, Mississippi. Stuart's family played a big role in his love for music, with his parents being musicians and gospel singers themselves. He was performing in his parents' band by the age of 12 and by age 13 played alongside Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Lester Flatt in Nashville. Marty's wife and fellow musician, Connie Smith, also contributed interviews to the series.

One of the most significant aspects of the series is how it highlights Stuart's musical collaborations. Stuart has worked with some of country music's legends, such as Travis Tritt, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton, and the show tells the stories of these collaborations. There are also clips of Stuart working with newer artists, such as Chris Stapleton and Margo Price, demonstrating his influence that spans generations.

The series showcases Stuart's broad musical background and how he has successfully blended various American musical styles. Stuart has been deeply influenced by gospel music, rock-and-roll, blues, and bluegrass, and these forms all appear throughout his work. Over the years, Stuart has stayed true to his roots, frequently performing in his trademark Native American regalia, and he credits this style for keeping him grounded as an artist.

The episodes range between 35 and 50 minutes, giving the series a laid-back, easy-to-watch flow. The documentary features a good mix of interviews and performances, which enables the viewers to understand the essence of Stuart's sound and approach to music. The editing is precise, with footage of Stuart’s upbringing blending perfectly with newer clips of him on tour or in the studio. With no hype or gimmicks, Stuart and his team dissect and express their passion for the music, which can excite fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, Marty Stuart is an insightful and engaging music documentary series that is a must-watch for country music fans. The series breaks down the artist's career in a very human and relatable way, allowing the audience to see what it takes to have a career spanning over 50 years, from collaborations to individual works, giving the artist his own unique style. It establishes Marty Stuart's place in the Nashville music scene, and his veteran status as a musician who has worked and collaborated with nearly everyone in the business. Anyone who loves country music and the stories behind the artists will undoubtedly enjoy this show.