Porter Wagoner Previews New Album

Grand Ole Opry star Porter Wagoner.

January 16, 2007 — A group of musicians and music executives recently gathered at OMNIsound Studios to hear Porter Wagoner's upcoming album Wagonmaster, set for release in May. The listening party celebrated the newest work as well as the legacy of the singer, who almost died after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurysm last summer.

"We tried to start the record in July, and Porter almost died," Marty Stuart, who produced the album, told The Tennessean's Peter Cooper. "But we got it done, and I think this is one of the best records to come out of this town in years. Times change, but Porter hasn't. He's an American master and a cornerstone of our music."

Marty said he has been a fan of the Thin Man since childhood, when Porter's syndicated television show provided a weekly opportunity for him to bond with his father.

The new album includes "Committed to Parkview," a song Johnny Cash wrote about a stay in a mental institution. Johnny had told Marty 25 years ago that Porter should record it. "I'm so thankful to have one of Johnny Cash's great songs," Porter said.

Porter will turn 80 this summer, and Cooper writes, the new album seems primed to reveal the full extent of his artistry and put his music back at the forefront of country fans' thoughts.

"I produced a lot of records myself, and I believe Marty's a genius at it," Porter said. "I had a lot of help on this from a lot of wonderful people. They inspired me."