Note: This essay is part of Mississippi Today Ideas, a new platform for thoughtful Mississippians to share fact-based ideas about our state’s past, present and future. You can read more about the section here.
As a young boy in Philadelphia, Mississippi, I dreamed big.
In the sixth grade, I wrote an essay proclaiming that I wanted to be a musician because, as I penned with all the sincerity of a child, “music will be my love forever.” That statement holds as true today as it did then, and now I find myself at a moment where my love of music has brought me full circle.
The Congress of Country Music, an endeavor born out of passion, dedication and an abiding respect and admiration for the roots of country music, is now under construction in my hometown. This project is more than bricks and mortar — it is a temple dedicated to the legacy of country music and Mississippi’s profound role in shaping its story.
Country music is more than entertainment; it is the heartbeat of America, echoing the stories, struggles and dreams of ordinary people. Mississippi, with its rich cultural tapestry, is the Old Testament land of country music — a sacred place where the genre’s foundation was laid. Legends like Jimmie Rodgers, the father of country music, and countless others drew their first breaths here, their voices forever imprinted on the soundtrack of our nation.
For decades, I’ve been blessed to live a life in music. Along the way, I’ve collected and cherished the stories and artifacts of those who came before me: rhinestone suits that sparkled under the Grand Ole Opry’s lights, handwritten lyrics that birthed timeless ballads, instruments that carried melodies into the hearts of millions and so much more.
My collection of over 22,000 historic artifacts, each one a treasure that tells a part of our shared history, became the largest privately held collection in the world. It has been my dream to find a home for these artifacts in a place where they can inspire, educate and honor the giants whose shoulders we stand upon.
When I handed over my 6th grade essay to the Country Music Hall of Fame as a symbol of my entire collection, I said, “Here is my life.” That moment underscored the deep connection between an artist and their legacy. The newfound partnership between the Congress of Country Music in Philadelphia and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville is a natural extension of that sentiment. The level of care and preservation provided by the Country Music Hall of Fame, combined with the entirety of their already publicly available collection, will unite to create something that pays tribute to the history of country music while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The Congress will not just be a museum. It will be a living, breathing center for culture, education and performance. Housed in historic Downtown Philadelphia, the Congress will welcome visitors to explore the roots of country music, witness world-class performances and engage with exhibits that celebrate the genre’s legends and unsung heroes. It will be a place where history comes alive and where the next generation of musicians and fans can draw inspiration.
For me, this is more than just a personal project. It is a mission to honor the profound impact that country music and Mississippi have had on the world. I want visitors to leave the Congress with a deeper understanding of this genre’s soul and the unique role Mississippi played in shaping it. This is our story to tell, and it deserves to be told with the reverence it commands.
As construction continues on the Congress, I am filled with gratitude for the countless individuals and organizations who have supported this vision. From the halls of the Country Music Hall of Fame to the streets of Philadelphia, Mississippi, this is a collective effort, driven by a shared love of music and history.
To those who share my passion, I extend an invitation. When its doors open, come visit the Congress of Country Music. Step into the past, celebrate the present and dream about the future of country music with us. Together, let’s honor the pioneers, preserve the stories and ensure that the love of country music resonates forever.
Here is my life. And here, in the heart of Mississippi, is the soul of country music.
Marty Stuart, a Philadelphia native, is an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, five time Grammy winner and the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the American Music Association. In addition to being an acclaimed musician, Stuart also is a country music historian and photographer.
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