On the evening of March 19, 2025, the special event Opry 100: A Live Celebration took place in Nashville, marking the centennial of the Grand Ole Opry — one of the most venerated and iconic institutions in country music history.
Among the multiple highlights of that evening, one of the most unforgettable moments was when Lainey Wilson joined forces with Marty Stuart to perform two special duets on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium.
A Night Bridging Tradition and Modernity
The three-hour televised celebration on NBC (also streamed via Peacock) featured an all-star lineup spanning both the legends and contemporary stars: Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Alison Krauss, Clint Black, and many more.
Marty Stuart is well known not just as a performer, but as a custodian of country music’s traditions — a historian, collector, and passionate advocate of the roots of the genre. Lainey Wilson, on the other hand, is a rising voice in modern country. Yet her sound is deeply rooted in tradition, giving her a rare balance between innovation and reverence.
The pairing of these two artists — one steeped in legacy, the other carrying tradition into the modern era — created a performance that felt both timeless and relevant.
The Two Memorable Performances
1. “Lost Highway” — a tribute to Hank Williams
In a poignant gesture, Marty Stuart passed Lainey Wilson Hank Williams’ own guitar, symbolically handing the legacy forward. Standing side by side, they delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Lost Highway” — a song known for its melancholic wanderlust and emotional depth. The stage lighting was subtle, the performance intimate, and the moment resonated as more than a show — it felt like a living memory.
2. “Things a Man Oughta Know” — Lainey’s signature hit
Immediately afterward, they transitioned into Lainey’s own breakout hit, “Things a Man Oughta Know” — a song of raw emotion, conviction, and authenticity. The contrast between the old and new styles — from the nostalgic country ballad to a modern country anthem — highlighted their versatility and underscored the fluid bridge between eras.
Meaning Behind the Performance
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Marty’s act of handing over the guitar wasn’t just theatrical — it was symbolic, representing the passing of tradition and musical spirit.
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Choosing “Lost Highway” carries weight: it is one of Hank Williams’ enduring legacies that shaped the identity of country music itself.
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By following it with “Things a Man Oughta Know,” Lainey Wilson reaffirmed that while she honors the past, she is fully present in the evolving country music landscape.
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Many fans and critics regard this duet as a quiet but profound highlight of Opry 100 — a moment that didn’t demand spectacle, yet lingered in the heart long after the lights dimmed.
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It was a performance that whispered, rather than shouted — but in that whisper, the echoes of a century of country music were unmistakable.