Marty Stuart gets country music show on RFD-TV

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Marty Stuart thinks there's room on TV for the style of country music he remembers from "The Porter Wagoner Show," "Flatt & Scruggs" and, of course, "Hee Haw." So Stuart decided to create his own show.

"The Marty Stuart Show" will begin airing Sunday nights come November on cable's RFD-TV.

Each episode will feature music by Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, as well as his wife, Grand Ole Opry star Connie Smith, and guests.

"This show is about authenticity, from the artists who visit us in the studio every week to the people watching at home," said Stuart, a sideman with Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash before embarking on a successful solo career in the '80s. "I want to establish a show that gives a voice and stage to traditional country music."

Stuart will host and produce the 30-minute episodes. Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs will be his sidekick. His show will be part of the prime-time lineup with "Hee Haw" reruns, "Postcards from Nebraska" and "Music & Motors."

RFD, based in Omaha, Neb., with production facilities in Nashville, has been on the air since December 2000 and now is on 800 cable systems plus satellite services Dish Network and DirecTV, distributed to 35 million homes. Its programming includes livestock auctions, tractor pulls, rodeo events, cooking shows and variety programs. It also simulcasts "Imus in the Morning" featuring radio personality Don Imus.