Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives: Tiny Desk Concert

Suraya Mohamed | May 6, 2024
When Marty Stuart arrived, his cheerful smile and charismatic personality beamed. He had a charming swagger and it was immediately clear we were in the presence of a country and bluegrass music legend.
When Stuart was just 12 years old, he went on the road for the first time with a Pentecostal gospel bluegrass group called the Sullivan Family Gospel Singers. Almost 55 years later, he’s still performing and is a five-time Grammy winner, Country Music Hall of Famer and AMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Those accolades only hint at the artistry of Mary Stuart and his longtime band The Fabulous Superlatives. Looking around the room during his Tiny Desk performance, people in the audience were visibly captivated by this undeniable demonstration of musical excellence - beautiful harmonies, precise rhythmic precision and perfectly blended arrangements all sewn together with a casual flair that was simple and fun.
Recorded just a few days before Easter, the set ends appropriately in the spirit of the church. “When we first put our band together, the way we learned to sing together was singing gospel songs,” said Stuart. “I was in love with the Staple Singers as always, Mavis and Pops and Cleotha and Pervis, and they are all like family and so bluegrass music all figured in. So we finally got around to writing a few songs for ourselves and here’s one we got to do called ‘Heaven.’ ”
SET LIST
"Tempted"
"Streamline"
"Tomahawk"
"Heaven"
MUSICIANS
Marty Stuart: vocals, guitar, mandolin
Kenny Vaughan: guitar, vocals
Chris Scruggs: bass, vocals
Harry Stinson: drums, vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Alanté Serene
Audio Engineer: Kwesi Lee
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Estefania Mitre
Tiny Desk Team: Maia Stern, Hazel Cills
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #martystuart

[@brucedenis71]

Four men who have completed their mastery of music and are now effortlessly delivering the goods...every time.

[@jeremyhayes4538]

Hearing Tempted always takes me back to 1991-92 when I was 14 and blown away by Marty Stuart’s album of the same name. Great to see these guys still making music and putting smiles on faces.

[@robertpeterson8640]

Country music ROYALTY! All 4 of them. They have it all. Mad skills, good humor, deep well of musical knowledge.

[@tomas5376]

What a pleasant surprise to see a real country music band on the Tiny Desk!! Bring them back and bring some others! Gracias🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵🎶👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

Sierra Ferrell!!

[@bgrigg07]

Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives are legends, each and every one of them. No pedals, no effects, and I bet Harry has never played to a click track. Just pure golden talent.

[@GregM-ws4hq]

Some effects on Kenny's guitar ... but I'm with you. Amazing group. I had no idea how good they harmonize.

[@whiskersb5296]

I don’t care if they use pedals. I care how their music sounds.

[@WilliamJones-bg2on]

Harry IS his own click track! He is amazing.

[@Thomas-pq4ys]

Kenny used a delay... to great effect.... They do use effects pedals live, but they are always on, making it look like they don't use effects. I do the same when I play... always on, no pedal dancing for this boy ... I want to be Marty someday when I'm older and more mature.

[@craigthompson4878]

Bingo

[@swstrat]

The best cats in Nashville..I've been lucky enough to have worked with all of them and they are absolute masters. And nice, modest fellas, too..

[@markjohnson9485]

There is no one like Marty Stuart, and when he is with the superlatives, there is no one like them. What a wonderful group what wonderful music

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Kenny Vaughan is one of my favorite guitar players

[@JimSwanson-eo2un]

Marty has been around quite awhile. He and The Superlatives are phenomenal. As popular as they are, I believe Marty has never received all the accolades he truly deserves. Keep going, Marty. Love your music!

[@TheMargarita1948]

If that’s true, it may be just as well. Those accolades have been the death of many great musicians.

[@Liam1H]

That's the way it's done. I'm afraid I don't have enough superlatives to describe these gentlemen but they certainly are fabulous.

[@BigCheeseRumble]

I had heard of Marty Stewart, but now I feel like I know him. Very cool; that last song “Heaven” was beautiful.

[@tonyhill1141]

Kenny Vaughn is one of the coolest cats in music, period.

[@acousticarchivefortwayne930]

These guys are the gold standard for acoustic / electric musicians. Their last two albums "Way Out West" and "Altitude" are magnificent and showcase their talents well.

[@hieronymusbosch6255]

Nashville musicians set the bar….so high….so great.

[@garyrasberryjr.552]

The only thing missing from the concert is an appearance from "Clarence," the B-Bender Telecaster that belonged to the late great Clarence White and was sold by Clarence's widow to Marty (part of a package of items owned by Clarence for $1600 altogether) because she knew that Marty would take care of the guitar and would respect it. Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives are amazing

[@aljustal6554]

Also missing in this tiny concert: The 12 string Rickenbacker Kenny plays that is "on loan" from owner Roger McGuinn (of the Byrds fame). There are times that the Telecaster you mention and Roger's 12- string Rickenbacker are together on stage in this band, just like they were circa 1969-1973 in the Byrds (as played by Clarence and Roger).

[@kenromero9236]

Always amazing! Love Marty’s hair.

[@jessicachaves5564]

Except for color it hasn’t changed for 50 years. At least.

[@sallysteinwachs2245]

Thank you Marty Stewart and the Superlatives and Tiny Desk - I am so happy.

[@todddonaldson2822]

Cousin Kenny’s 12 string sound is so good! Such a great band

[@Scablander]

The best country band in the world. Thank you for bringing these players to Tiny Desk.

[@terrywhyte7397]

Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ruthbennett6954]

Caught them playing in Interlochen mi,they were with Steve Miller,which was good but Marty and his superlatives were great,my 30 year old son walked away a bluegrass/Marty Stuart fan that day..and understood why I absolutely love Marty and his superlatives..one of the best..

[@thomasdooley844]

Saw them last August. One of the best shows I've seen in 50 years of concert-going. Real musicianship and showmanship. Voluminous knowledge of country music history.

[@JustinR941]

Country, bluegrass and blues blended with 60's psychedelic pop and rock. Thats Marty Stuart. The band can go anywhere Marty wants to take them. They are master musicians.

[@gordonmoore-sl2jr]

The BEST yet on Tiny Desk! And that's sayin something! The Fabulous Superlatives only get better. Stuart is some kind of empirical Genius and every molecule in every one of those guys is MUSIC!!!!!🎵🎵🎵🎵

[@bluerxstandard]

the natural acoustic-ness of this set is great.. thanks Marty for showing up in a phenomenal way

[@MrUltraworld]

I'm a rocker through and through, I'm not too fond of country music. But I Love Marty Stuart and his Superlatives. The level of musicianship and the lack of gimmicks have always attracted me to this band. These are all great musicians in their own right. I never miss an opportunity to see this band.

[@rickstrandberg6398]

Love ❤️ these guys! Paul Martin too!

[@Shovel-om7kn]

Great little set amigos. I surely did enjoy Heaven. Well done. Made me feel good. Semper Fi

[@JWForce1059]

I did not know until recently that, when he was 12 or so, he saw Connie Smith in concert. He thought she was so incredibly beautiful, that he rizzed her up as best he could, despite a 17 year age gap, and told his mom that he would marry her some day. At 39 years old, he did. Between that and playing for both Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash by the time he was 21, you gotta admire Marty's determination to execute on some truly grand visions for his life. Much respect.

[@garyrasberryjr.552]

He also had a stint playing mandolin for Doc and Merle Watson. There's a clip of Doc doing "Tennessee Stud" featuring Marty (sporting a full beard)

[@vayabroder729]

Wow; didn’t know Connie was that much older; she looks so young and vital. Love her singing and her big smile.

[@aljustal6554]

@@vayabroder729 Connie Smith (who just released a new album backed by Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives) turns 83 this year (2024), as does Bob Dylan.

[@sawdust2876]

Any video with cousin Kenny is a great video

[@lsucpolk6829]

Incredible. A performance like this is probably like breathing for Marty and the Superlatives. Wow.

[@davidmotisko4552]

I’ve been blessed to have seen them live twice. Legends.

[@mistergee3604]

Marty has the best hair in show business...

[@ohmbuoy1]

Absolutely the best 4some I've heard for a long time!!! Loving this NPR moment. Marty always delivers!

[@diment0857]

These guys sure know how to carry a tune. Jazz, blues and country music are America's cultural gift to the world.

[@clicks59]

Good God! They were on fire…

[@dlagrua]

Marty is a true legend in Country Music. Now at an advanced age his voice is not quite the same as it once was but I still appreciate it.

[@johnisouth6636]

Bout darn time NPR ya show this side of America. 311 was great also but once again, kudos for this.

[@hippydippy]

Now this is "TRUE" Country Music!

[@stevemurray2737]

Hey! The World’s Greatest Country Band! Maybe best all around Band! Go see them live! Thanks Marty for all you do and have done for Country Music!.. Superstars!

[@calnonhardy4002]

My favorite group. They can do it all. Write,play and sing. Chris Scruggs is super talented. His mother is the great Gail Davies.

[@rockinredneck57]

Don't forget his father and that side of the family. Gary Scruggs is his father, Earl is his grandfather. He comes by his talent honestly. He's a complete country music historian.

[@jonnydoe85]

These dudes are as smooth as butter. Been a huge Marty and HFS fan for years.

[@rille-online]

Probably one of the best things that ever happened in 2024 , great gig , great show , many thanks Tiny Desk !

[@chrisktcpt1252]

Just the casual way they go about it. So effortlessly talented.

[@bheehive4497]

American Icon that never stopped being cool when everyone tried so hard with fame. The OG>

[@hanzzarkov7690]

Just gonna say Kenny has some absolutely killer in your face guitars, and the skills for it.

[@CyndieAmala]

Yes Marty Stuart needs to be added to my playlist! How did I not have his songs there to begin with? lol

[@charlesberger6618]

Yep...I can relate! I'm 74 and still "discovering" gems like Marty.

[@CyndieAmala]

@@charlesberger6618 I listened to him a lot in the 90's! He is indeed a legend 🎵🎶

[@rockinredneck57]

Several great albums. A couple of don't miss gems are "Country Music", and "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning". Oh, and the critically acclaimed "Pilgrim". You can't go wrong with those.

[@jpb1231000]

Chris Scruggs is a FORCE!!! Vocals, Bass, Stand up bass, Lap Steel, mandolin, drums and he is said to be the best GUITARIST in THIS BAND! Oooohhh and he's a MUSIC HISTORIAN too!

[@crishanaloritsch5483]

My late father loved Marty Stuart. Now I get why! Mr. Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives have gained a new fan! They are terrific!

[@svgs650r]

Go see them LIVE and in Person!

[@TRIChuckles]

Like so many, live really is another level!

[@jamsohnson8579]

Professional musicians make it look like every time is the first time they played it. The smiles on their faces.

[@jetjock015]

Nothing sounds better than a worn in Martin

[@MichealMcIntyre-uq5hh]

My old Dad always enjoyed Marty's show. He had me write to the boss and tell them it was the fastest half hour on TV and to make it one hour.

[@carlenedaly6090]

Marty Stuart is so special. He is a treasure and he sounds amazing. The Fabulous Superlatives are extremely special as well ! Thank you for sharing your talents and special gifts with us! This is professionalism and class at its best! What talents!! Great video! Wow!!!

[@alcatmusic8442]

Generally speaking, I am only marginally a fan of Country or Bluegrass music. But I have to say that Marty and his group gave such a tight, clean, sound with simplistic but wonderful arrangements, and I truly loved this performance. Thank you tiny desk once again!

[@billadams8795]

I honestly didn't expect to watch the whole thing, but I couldn't turn it off it was so great. What a legend. Such a great ensemble!

[@TRIChuckles]

Me too, I turned it on to listen a minute and couldn't turn it off!

[@GratefulZen]

Their music is…heaven!

[@revpgesqredux]

And I say go, go marty go. Go,go Marty Go. go go Marty go. Marty be good

[@JohnBond-in3og]

Man, one great groove after another- Harry! 😎 J Cash, Buddy Holly, Bo Diddley and others smiling Heavily up yonder!! 4 Great, natural” musicians doin’ it right! Thanks, Marty and the boys! 😎🎶

[@mpc79]

Maybe one of the best Tiny Desk performances. Definitely in my top 5.

[@arthurmccarron4379]

Country. Roayality. Thank. You. Very very Cool

[@37BopCity]

Great video! My only criticism --- too short! I could listen to another hour of these guys. They are the greatest, and they are among the last country/bluegrass/roots musicians alive today still keeping up the old traditions.

[@xxcelr8rs]

Best band ever on this show. Players and harmonizers.

[@telebender]

Love Marty, Cousin Kenny, Handsome Harry and Prof. Chris. Ridiculously talented musicians. Do yourself a favor and check them out live - You WIll Not be disappointed!

[@bobclawson2884]

Good Lordie Marty! Just wow. Straight burned it up on that song #2

[@maximusretrievers]

Thanks to my son Max for pointing me to this video. Thanks to LaVelle Hunt and his crew for bringing Marty, Kenny, Chris and Harry to our historic Lincoln theater in Decatur IL. We just saw them a few weeks ago as well as the year prior. As others state, Seeing these guys play live is an amazing delight. Old Clarence the B bender gets lots of play and all 4 are amazing musicians.

[@zach_hewitt]

I could listen to Marty Stuart all day long....

[@ChilleBruh]

Riding like a Silver Wind through my Monday, Superlative style.

[@DonaldMerrit]

As a musician I have been a heavy Rock and roller my whole life, I want to hear 60 years old something changed in my ears have gravitated to this kind of clean music.

[@mark3DLinkscom]

Pure talent performing authentic country.

[@markplauche8695]

I still have the cassette of the electric version of tempted from years past love em both this is so cool

[@svbarr]

The Everly Brothers just woke up and smiled....wherever they are!!! Great sound!!! Love the shotgun Sennheiser mic!!!

[@paulwilson3401]

Tiny Desk keeps bringing great music in this venue that shows listeners what greatness is like up close. Marty and the Superlatives . , rarely does talent, depth and love for many of the forms of American come together better than with Marty and the Superlatives.

[@Max-million]

Marty and Band are straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@geoffreywalker7308]

I literally found myself smiling the entire time watching this concert… THIS is music. What a talent.

[@wowjef]

Drummer is a legend. Love his work. Listen to Tomahawk. Tight as

[@russdee333]

One of the best to do it!

[@LA7Rose]

Looking good Marty!

[@nathanwood8256]

Class act! Love Marty, what a national treasure

[@christopherburton2920]

That purple guitfiddle of Kenney's is Superlative in itself!

[@robertwright0n]

Marty Stewart & the SUPERlatives behind the desk are a great talent blend.

[@autopilotz7618]

Amazing!! Best Tiny Concert ever!

[@rickbullock4331]

Wow! How entertaining was that? Marty and his band are top notch performers to say the least.👍👍🇨🇦

[@aapl]

Marty and his wonderful band always delivers..if you ever get a chance to see them live..Go.

[@MBRMrblueroads]

Best band in the world. Everything perfect. Great sound clean no reverb don't need none . Turns out Marty Stuart and his band are the best there ever was.

[@briangreen1971]

Wow!, yes I’ve heard of Marty Stuart but I couldn’t name one song, now I’m a new fan! Gotta add him to my playlist! Great band ! What musicianship&showmanship!,

[@Claytonbrewstunes]

Juvie, Scarface, and now Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives? NPR Tiny Desk is KILLIN’ IT this year!! Keep up the variety.

[@steveadamsthetangledparty4273]

I'm always left speechless with Marty and the Superlatives. Best thing going! See you in Northampton Ma!

[@wendelynmusic]

First heard Marty Stuart in the 70's when I was 14. Real Country music. Love it.

[@markgoad8829]

Best band in the land!

[@deanross4090]

They are fabulous. So much talent and they enjoy what they do.

[@Thomas-pq4ys]

Wow... just wow.. I'm a HUGE fan of MSATFS... See y'all when you're at the State Theater, Easton, PA....

[@user-pq6pq3ko3o]

Feel better soon Rick!

[@kelly2558]

Wow. You guys! The gospel harmony is amazing.

[@johnr8820]

Some of country music’s finest right here!

[@randyrowland1571]

Saw them along with Chris Stapleton in Columbia, SC. They are a great band and I really enjoy Marty's TV show!!

[@snark907]

I am NOT a fan of country music. But I loved every second of this. Superbly done and a rare treat.

[@vayabroder729]

Now you should be a convert 😉

[@JazzBrad]

This IS country music. Welcome, friend.

[@tlister67]

You might just need a “western” in your country

[@ronnieparfait]

Just 6 min in and these guys are blowing me away, awesome musicians very entertaining. 🤯🎸🥁🤘🏼✌🏼

[@jeffschoening7049]

If you ever get a chance to see them live....go! You won't be disappointed.

[@CalebD413]

I got a quick autograph from Marty in 2007. Back when Greyfox bluegrass festival was still held in Ancramdale, NY. Amazing night of music that was. Go see them live if you get the chance!

[@cycyj847]

Very easy listening. I enjoyed it. You've done it again Tiny Desk! Another artist that I've been introduced to by this page.

[@silversun4600]

Perfect Monday morning pick-me-up!✌🏼

[@douglydooright4580]

Pure Americana… Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives never cease to amaze me!