Marty Stuart Brings Eclectic Lineup To Late Night Fan Jam

Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt

Marty Stuart welcomed a well-caffeinated crowd of fans for his 13th annual Late Night Fan Jam, which stretched into the wee hours of the morning. In the midst of the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Festival, the Late Night Fan Jam offered a musical oasis for fans who prefer their music pure and unprocessed.

The evening, which served as fundraiser for MusiCares, was held Wednesday, June 4 at the Ryman Auditorium, and featured an eclectic lineup including Travis Tritt, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Connie Smith, LeAnn Rimes and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore (of duo Sam & Dave).

Emi Sunshine

Stuart held court throughout the evening, revving up the crowd with his own ‘90s favorites including “Hillbilly Rock.” “Country music sounds better here than anywhere in the world,” said Stuart before performing the traditional folk song “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” (also known as “In The Pines”).

The evening further proved that age does nothing to diminish talent. The evening featured artists from age 9 to 76, all immensely talented. Nine-year-old Emi Sunshine, was previously featured on The Today Show. During her Ryman performance, she offered a cover of “Blue Yodel Number 6” and the original tune “Johnny, June and Jesus.” The talented tyke’s strong voice and effervescent stage presence should continue garnering her fans for years to come.

Jim Glaser

At 76, Jim Glaser still possesses a voice as smooth and supple as tenors half his age. He performed several gems, including “Lights of Albuquerque.”

Rimes offered a medley of “I Need You,” and a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Backed by guitarists and Stuart on mandolin, Rimes’ voice is as soulful as ever.

Granting the wish of a fan in the front row, Stuart performed with wife Connie Smith as she launched into “Cry, Cry, Cry” and her 1967 song “Cincinnati, Ohio.”

Pictured (L-R): Sam Moore and Marty Stuart

Once Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Moore took to the stage, the evening quickly became the “Sam Jam,” as the audience rose to its feet to sing along with his renditions of “Soul Man,” “Rainy Night in Georgia,” and “Let The Good Times Roll.”

The evening ended with a performance from Tritt, who welcomed his daughter Tyler Reese Tritt for a duet of “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.” Tritt then offered his favored ‘90s hits including “Great Day To Be Alive” and “Somebody,” before Stuart joined him onstage for their signature duet, “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin.’”

“He sent the idea of a duet to Hank Williams, Jr., first and he didn’t record it,” Tritt revealed. “Then they sent it to me. I said yes, but I wasn’t in Nashville when [Marty recorded] his part. Marty and I first met at the video shoot for the song. We came together and between takes we would sit on his bus and talk about our history and backgrounds. We’ve referred to ourselves as brothers from different mothers. We made a pact that no matter what happens through the years, we will always be brothers because we are joined in music and honor of each other.”

The evening’s musical lovefest surely proved a highlight of attendees’ 2014 CMA Music Fest.