Back in the summer of 1989 or 1990, I was in attendance at a concert at Ponderosa Park in Salem, OH. I can't even recall at this point who the headliner was, but I know we were there eagerly awaiting the day's opening act. And wait we didÉ Although Marty Stuart had a few minor hits that charted, he was never hotter than he was right then. With "Hillbilly Rock" burning up the charts, airwaves, and dance halls, and knowing his long history through bluegrass and country music, I was hard pressed to believe that anyone would be anything but excited to see this new "legend".

After the day's local act finished up, the stage was cleared to make room for Marty's show. After approximately thirty minutes it was announced that Marty's bus was broke down somewhere in Ohio about 3 hours away. At the time, Marty and his band were traveling in one of Ernest Tubb's old buses. I'm not certain, though, if it was the infamous Green Hornet that now resides in the Ernest Tubb Record Shop out on Music Valley Drive. Having read about Marty's affinity for country music artifacts, I didn't find this at all odd. The crowd was told that the generator on the bus had malfunctioned and a replacement was being located. The emcee also assured the crowd that Marty would be there as soon as he could to perform. "Yeah, right", I thought. "What are the chances of finding a generator for a bus that dated from the 60's on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of NoWhere, Ohio?" The headliner graciously agreed to perform before his opening act. Approximately two and a half hours after the headliner finished, the handful of diehards that stuck around were treated to the sound of an old Silver Eagle rumbling up through the long gravel drive in a cloud of dry summer dust. Out of that cloud of dust, like an old western hero strode Marty Stuart and entourage. Needless to say, they were met with rousing enthusiasm.

One could hardly imagine that after enduring such an exasperating trip Marty Stuart and his band would have anything left to give. The "Rock & Roll Cowboys" gave one of the best performances I have ever witnessed. Judging by the crowd's reaction, I think they agreed. Country music the way it was meant to beÉ incredible musicians, great singing, enthusiasm, a touch of the old, a splash of the new, a hot, sunny, summer dayÉwhat more could you ask for.

The crowd was pleased, if not amazed, when it was announced that Marty would sign autographs after his 90-minute set. We stood in line for what seemed like an eternity as the glowing orange sun set over Marty's shoulder. Unlike most of the artists who signed autographs from inside the security of a small concession-like booth, Marty Stuart stood out among his fansÉtoe to toe and eye to eye. It was almost time for my wife and I to step up for our brief encounter with Marty. Suddenly, I had a mischievous idea and only hoped that Marty still had a sense of humor after such an arduous day. As we stepped up to Marty, my wife extended her hand for a brief, but kind, handshake, an autograph and a the customary pleasantries. As Marty turned his attention to me and offered his hand, I firmly deposited about seventeen or eighteen cents that I found in my hip pocket into his open palm. As he stood there looking quizzically at me, I informed him that I wanted to be the first to contribute to the Marty Stuart New Bus Fund. My wife was utterly aghast. Much to my relief, Marty broke into robust laughter. After both of us regained some composure, we shook hands and parted. It was only after we were started on our two-hour drive home, that I realized Marty kept the coins I gave him. Marty has long since retired Ernest Tubb's bus. Every time I see him rolling down I-65 now in his new bus, I can't help but laugh and wonder which seventeen cents of that bus I own. My wife ran into Marty a few months ago at the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. I asked her if she reminded him of this incident. She replied with an unequivocal, "No!"

Marty displayed the signs of a true legend that day. In the music industry sense of the word, sure, but also in the human sense of the word. Determination, professionalism, integrity, a strong work ethic, and a really good sense of humorÉwhat more could you ask for.

Chuck Kaper