Nashville, TN -- Thousands of fans in attendance at last week's 2014 CMA Music Festival Kick-off Concert in Nashville, Tennessee were in for a special treat during The Marshall Tucker Band's (MTB) hour-long Riverfront set. The legendary Southern Rock group performed on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage, awing fans as they ripped through many of their hit songs before introducing their surprise guest, former CMA Entertainer of the Year, Ricky Skaggs.
The worlds of Southern Rock and Bluegrass collided head-on when Skaggs, a 14X GRAMMY® Award winner, met MTB lead singer and founding member DOUG GRAY at center stage. With mandolin in hand, Skaggs joined the MTB on the sunny banks of Nashville's Cumberland River, effortlessly shredding through two of the group's biggest hit songs, "Fire On The Mountain," and "Can't You See." Though Skaggs had only planned to sit-in and pick with the band, Gray couldn't resist handing over the mic.
"Hearing Ricky's trademark tenor voice pierce through the air on 'Can't You See' gave me goosebumps," says Gray. "Even though our styles are a little different, Ricky fit right in with us. There was a natural chemistry up there on-stage and the whole thing seems almost surreal. Big thanks to the CMA for allowing us to be part of this magic movement. It was a great day and the highlight of our year."
On performing with the MTB, Skaggs notes, "It was a great honor to play with The Marshall Tucker Band. I remember many years ago while listening to their first LP, I looked at the cover and asked someone, 'Which one is Marshall Tucker?' It was great to get to play some of those same songs with the band."
Veteran 650 AM WSM radio host Bill Cody introduced the band before they hit the stage. Following the show, Cody remarked, "It was truly a 'remember when' moment! Two iconic figures in music, exuding respect for each other, while their masterful performance reminded us fans why we still love them so much!"
A video clip of The Marshall Tucker Band / Ricky Skaggs CMA Music Festival performance:
About The Marshall Tucker Band Forty-three years ago, The Marshall Tucker Band was founded in Spartanburg, SC. Thanks to hits like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It In A Love Song,” “Fire On The Mountain,” and “24 Hours At A Time,” the 5x Gold, 3x Platinum-selling Southern Rock group has sold millions of albums worldwide. MTB songs have been featured in major motion picture films and television shows including Breaking Bad, Blow, The Box, Swing Vote, Half Nelson, My Name Is Earl, Cold Case Files and Good Guys. CMT (Country Music Television) named the MTB’s “Can’t You See” the #4 Greatest Southern Rock Song. The MTB’s debut album, The Marshall Tucker Band, reigns as Gibson Guitar’s #5 Greatest Southern Rock Album. UltimateClassicRock.com crowned the MTB's "Can't You See" as the #1 Southern Rock Song and in 2013, GRAMMY® Magazine named the group's logo as one of the most distinctive and iconic brands in music.
For more information on The Marshall Tucker Band, visit www.marshalltucker.com or www.facebook.com/themarshalltuckerband
About Ricky Skaggs With 12 #1 hit singles, 14 GRAMMY® Awards, eleven IBMA Awards, eight ACM Awards and eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), Ricky Skaggs is truly a pioneer of Bluegrass and Country music. Since he began playing music more than 50 years ago, Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and has performed thousands of live shows. Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, continue to keep the tour trail red hot, performing more than 80 live dates each year. Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive GRAMMY®-nominated albums. In 2013, Skaggs released his first autobiography, "Kentucky Traveler," which details the life and times of the music icon and also the history of Bluegrass music. In addition, Skaggs has again teamed with music legend Bruce Hornsby, this time for a live album titled, Cluck Ol' Hen. The album is available now.
For more information on Ricky Skaggs, visit www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com or www.facebook.com/rickyskaggsofficial