In the early days of what would become one of country music’s most beloved friendships and collaborations, Marty Stuart had a brutally honest first impression: he thought Travis Tritt’s guitar was junk. And he wasn’t shy about saying it.
In a recent interview reflecting on their early 1990s tour days—just before the duo released their now-iconic duet “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’”—Marty shared a behind-the-scenes story that’s as hilarious as it is telling of the bond they would later build.
“The first time I saw Travis backstage, he had this old, beat-up acoustic,” Marty recalled with a laugh. “Strings were dead, the wood was cracked, and I remember thinking, ‘This guy’s about to play that thing on stage?’”
But what happened next surprised him.
“Then he started playing,” Marty said, “and I shut right up. That ‘junk guitar’ came to life. It wasn’t about the guitar—it was about the fire coming out of that man.”
That moment sparked not only a deep musical respect between the two artists but the beginning of a lifelong friendship that would see them co-headlining tours, recording hits together, and even reviving the spirit of classic country duets in a time when Nashville was leaning heavily into pop.
Their 1991 collaboration “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’” became a smash hit, earning them a CMA Vocal Event of the Year award and a GRAMMY. But perhaps more importantly, it sealed their bond as kindred musical spirits—two traditionalists with outlaw hearts and rock ‘n’ roll swagger.
“We were brothers from different mothers,” Travis said later. “Marty’s style, that Bakersfield-meets-bluegrass thing, and my Southern rock roots—it just clicked.”
Though they came from slightly different musical backgrounds, what united them was a shared love for authentic country music, and a fierce loyalty to the traditions of Hank, Merle, and Johnny.
And as for that old “junk” guitar?
“He never got rid of it,” Marty joked. “I told him once, ‘Man, you could afford 10 better guitars now,’ and he just laughed and said, ‘Yeah, but none of ’em sound like this one.’”
It’s a story that perfectly sums up both artists: humble beginnings, honest music, and a deep respect for the tools—even the beat-up ones—that help tell their stories.
So yes, Marty Stuart might’ve once thought Travis Tritt’s guitar was junk—but what came out of it? Pure country gold.