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The Pilgrim: A Wall-To-Wall Odyssey
Marty Stuart’s tenth studio album, The Pilgrim, was released 1999. The risky and ambitious concept project—based on true events that transpired in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi—was a turning point in Marty’s unique artistry. While not a commercial success at the time, The Pilgrim represents a rediscovery of his roots and a creative rebirth that continues to reverberate today as we celebrate the album’s twentieth anniversary. From the art direction, to the eccentric narrative, to the participation of iconic performers such as Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Connie Smith, The Pilgrim somehow managed to connect with the deepest spirit of country music’s rich traditions while also breaking new ground. It’s impossible to understand Marty Stuart without understanding what led to The Pilgrim and how it has shaped who he is today as an uncompromising artist and an unflinching evangelist for pure country music. Presented here is a lushly illustrated coffee table book that's about much more than just one landmark album. It's about art, discovery, artistic integrity, and a vision that set Marty Stuart on a new path. Also included with the book is a CD of the original album and unreleased bonus material.
- GenresMusic
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 12, 2019
2 people want to read
About the author
Marty Stuart
31 books4 followersMarty Stuart is an American country music singer-songwriter, known for rockabilly, honky tonk, and traditional country music. Stuart has also been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1992. He is married to country music legend Connie Smith.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 13, 2021
I've been savoring this one for a while.
I've never considered myself a country music fan. I grew up on classic schlock, pop, and then punk rock. It wasn't until later I came to appreciate the classic country twang of George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and of course Dolly Parton. But back in November 2016, I visited Tulsa, and it was a life-changing trip in many ways. I spent a lot of time at the Woody Guthrie Center (I have been a fan of Woody's for a long time and this was my own pilgrimage). In one room there was a display of beautiful and haunting photos, mostly of other country music stars, by none other than Marty Stuart. I kinda sorta knew who he was but never knew his music. But here was an introduction to a very soulful side of this person. I needed to learn more about him, and of course I ended up becoming a belated fan of his music too.
Fast forward to about a year ago. A friend told me Marty was on tour and playing songs from his iconic Pilgrim recording. I'd missed a performance close to me, but he was playing at The Birchmere, in Alexandria, near DC. I decided to take a trip to visit my sister and brother there and drag my sister with me (or so I thought) to see Marty. Little did I know she was already a fan! It was a great night and a lovely weekend. That was the last trip I made out of Brooklyn. It was right before the pandemic, or really in the midst of it. I remember being on the train to and from thinking, should I be doing this? Is this safe?
Anyway, glad I could fit that in before going into lockdown. And my sister surprised me with this book afterward. Thanks, Lisa!
The Pilgrim is based on someone Marty knew growing up in Philadelphia, Mississippi. It was fascinating to read about the process and the people who helped make it happen. It gives you a great sense, again, of the person Marty is. A real treasure.
I've never considered myself a country music fan. I grew up on classic schlock, pop, and then punk rock. It wasn't until later I came to appreciate the classic country twang of George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and of course Dolly Parton. But back in November 2016, I visited Tulsa, and it was a life-changing trip in many ways. I spent a lot of time at the Woody Guthrie Center (I have been a fan of Woody's for a long time and this was my own pilgrimage). In one room there was a display of beautiful and haunting photos, mostly of other country music stars, by none other than Marty Stuart. I kinda sorta knew who he was but never knew his music. But here was an introduction to a very soulful side of this person. I needed to learn more about him, and of course I ended up becoming a belated fan of his music too.
Fast forward to about a year ago. A friend told me Marty was on tour and playing songs from his iconic Pilgrim recording. I'd missed a performance close to me, but he was playing at The Birchmere, in Alexandria, near DC. I decided to take a trip to visit my sister and brother there and drag my sister with me (or so I thought) to see Marty. Little did I know she was already a fan! It was a great night and a lovely weekend. That was the last trip I made out of Brooklyn. It was right before the pandemic, or really in the midst of it. I remember being on the train to and from thinking, should I be doing this? Is this safe?
Anyway, glad I could fit that in before going into lockdown. And my sister surprised me with this book afterward. Thanks, Lisa!
The Pilgrim is based on someone Marty knew growing up in Philadelphia, Mississippi. It was fascinating to read about the process and the people who helped make it happen. It gives you a great sense, again, of the person Marty is. A real treasure.
September 28, 2022
A powerful journey, just like The Pilgrim album is. Marty Stuart narrates the odyssey of two simultaneous pilgrims - the character in the songs, and himself.
While describing the album's extensive creation process, Marty describes the personal artistic conflict he fought through... into the wings of darkness and the reckoning of his musical soul. He revoked Nashville's expectations. He paid the consequences - 'flopped' album, disbanded team, dropped contracts. And yet in this, Stuart found the conviction to live as the protector of the old guard of pure country music. It is the story of his reawakening and purpose.
Marty takes us through the musical Americana of banjo strings and friendships with legends. That alone is a sacred space. He also takes us through a spiritual realm reminiscent of the Old Testament, of patriarchs speaking prophecy, of Marty responding to visions and dreams, of God communicating through lightning storms and earthquakes. It is not the most prevalent part of the book, but it was one that impacted me, especially as Marty found an afterglow at a tiny church in a field in Mississippi. It was enough to make me choke up.
Through the journey, Marty writes delectable prose that hits me harder than almost anything else I've read. His description of Jimmy Martin in another book (Pilgrims: Sinners, Saints, and Prophets) will forever reside in me. There are passages in this book, too, which take on a depth and intensity best-selling novelists wish they could imbue. He has a way of being extremely evocative, but also come at you sideways; thoughtful descriptions make the words of this book more real than the experiences of one's own life.
This is a book to sit with. I could read it quickly, but slowly mulling over it is a treat. It's nice to take time looking at the photographs, which are intriguing (I will not fail to mention the photographs in a photography book!), and scans of song drafts, bowed string scores, and studio schedules. Everything is wonderfully put together and introspective to the eye. Looking at the images alone puts me in a reflective state.
Every time I listen to The Pilgrim (and I do it a lot while driving through the most isolated parts of Wyoming and South Dakota), I get something new from it. This book made me get far more out of it, again. There's lots to reflect on, and I'll be playing that CD many times in the following days.
I'm a musician myself, and this book is awakening a conviction for my own journey. I've felt at a crossroads in life. I know where I must go and what passions I must draw on to get there. This book is pushing me into my own unknown.
Maybe there's three journeys. The character, Marty Stuart, and yourself.
While describing the album's extensive creation process, Marty describes the personal artistic conflict he fought through... into the wings of darkness and the reckoning of his musical soul. He revoked Nashville's expectations. He paid the consequences - 'flopped' album, disbanded team, dropped contracts. And yet in this, Stuart found the conviction to live as the protector of the old guard of pure country music. It is the story of his reawakening and purpose.
Marty takes us through the musical Americana of banjo strings and friendships with legends. That alone is a sacred space. He also takes us through a spiritual realm reminiscent of the Old Testament, of patriarchs speaking prophecy, of Marty responding to visions and dreams, of God communicating through lightning storms and earthquakes. It is not the most prevalent part of the book, but it was one that impacted me, especially as Marty found an afterglow at a tiny church in a field in Mississippi. It was enough to make me choke up.
Through the journey, Marty writes delectable prose that hits me harder than almost anything else I've read. His description of Jimmy Martin in another book (Pilgrims: Sinners, Saints, and Prophets) will forever reside in me. There are passages in this book, too, which take on a depth and intensity best-selling novelists wish they could imbue. He has a way of being extremely evocative, but also come at you sideways; thoughtful descriptions make the words of this book more real than the experiences of one's own life.
This is a book to sit with. I could read it quickly, but slowly mulling over it is a treat. It's nice to take time looking at the photographs, which are intriguing (I will not fail to mention the photographs in a photography book!), and scans of song drafts, bowed string scores, and studio schedules. Everything is wonderfully put together and introspective to the eye. Looking at the images alone puts me in a reflective state.
Every time I listen to The Pilgrim (and I do it a lot while driving through the most isolated parts of Wyoming and South Dakota), I get something new from it. This book made me get far more out of it, again. There's lots to reflect on, and I'll be playing that CD many times in the following days.
I'm a musician myself, and this book is awakening a conviction for my own journey. I've felt at a crossroads in life. I know where I must go and what passions I must draw on to get there. This book is pushing me into my own unknown.
Maybe there's three journeys. The character, Marty Stuart, and yourself.
September 17, 2025
So is this the best liner notes ever written or is it a book with a soundtrack? Well kind of both. This was the deluxe re-issue of The Pilgrim which allowed Stuart to do a post mortem of his beautiful album. He wrestles with the fact that while it was a critical and artistic pinnacle, it was a bit of a dud sales wise. He knew he had created a gorgeous meaningful piece but it never charted the way he would have liked. He makes peace with the lack of commercial success and I think was content to put art above dollars.
Included in this book are many wonderful photographs, some by Stuart himself. Listening to the album and reading the book is a profound experience. Take your time with it and let it wash over you. Marty Stuart's Pilgrim is a work of art.
Included in this book are many wonderful photographs, some by Stuart himself. Listening to the album and reading the book is a profound experience. Take your time with it and let it wash over you. Marty Stuart's Pilgrim is a work of art.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews