Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart’s American Musical Odyssey

Open October 30, 2008 - March 1, 2009

Photos c/o the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart’s American Musical Odyssey is an astounding array of performance costumes, accessories, handwritten lyrics, personal letters and instruments, collected by country music artist Marty Stuart. The collection represents 40 years of the classic musical greats behind rock and roll, country, rockabilly, bluegrass and southern gospel. Amazingly, Stuart obtained some of the best pieces in his collection from Nashville thrift stores. Sparkle & Twang shares the dual story behind the legendary music personas, as well as the significance behind preserving the culture that represents America’s musical past. 

More than 300 artifacts are featured in this exhibit including:

• Elvis Presley’s sweater worn in a photograph with Junior Parker
• Hank Williams Sr.’s handwritten lyrics for “Cold, Cold Heart” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart”
• Patsy Cline’s performance outfit and the last pair of boots that she wore
• Johnny Cash’s handwritten lyrics for “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Man in Black”

This exhibition was developed by and originally exhibited at the Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, TN.

Read the press release:
Rock Hall Sparkles with New Exhibit

LaVern Baker's Blue And White Beaded Dress

Photo by Design Photography
Gift of LaVern Baker