by Josh Belcher, Freelance Writer
What a special treat for Franklin–on Tuesday, October 21st, Class of 2014 Country Music Hall Of Famer and country music legend, Mac Wiseman, is giving a once in a lifetime performance at the Franklin Theatre: “Mac Wiseman: Stories and Songs- One Night Only.”
Nicknamed “The Voice with a Heart,” Mac Wiseman is noted as one of the most recognizable and iconic figures in bluegrass music. Wiseman will be sharing and celebrating the September release of his album, Songs From My Mother’s Hand, a collection that may very well be Wiseman’s Magnum Opus.
The album finds Wiseman revisiting and revitalizing the songs his mother, Ruth,wrote. Ruth wrote these songs in the 1930s, the old fashioned way, with pen on composition book paper. Those songs laid the groundwork for a man who has given so much to the world of music. Now, at almost 90 years of age, Wiseman will share stories and memories of a life spent around innovative musicians and friends from his personal musical journey that include “The Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe, “Mother” Maybelle Carter, Elvis Presley’s Manager Col. Tom Parker, Cowboy Jack Clement and A.P. Carter as well as many others.
In 1946, Wiseman began his journey as a recording artist on a session with Molly O’ Day in Chicago. He would later go on to found Flatt & Scruggs, serve as lead vocalist for Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, become one of the founding members of the Country Music Association, perform all over the world and record over 60 albums, encompassing all genres from folk,country and bluegrass to pop, big band and rock and roll. His new album is set to be released on September 23rd on Wrinkled Records.
We had the opportunity to ask this musical icon some questions about his upcoming show at the Franklin Theatre and his new album.
WS: What made you decide to have such an intimate performance at the Franklin Theatre?
MW: We are promoting this Country Music Hall of Fame medallion ceremony. We have also got a new album out on Wrinkled Records. My old friend Dan Hayes, who is a very close friend and has been for years, runs the Franklin Theatre so he invited us to come.
WS: How did you feel about getting inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014?
MW: I am absolutely blown away. I am the only living member of the original Board of Directors for the organization. I was the first secretary treasurer. And I was beginning to think that they had forgotten about me, but I was very honored. It is one of the most important and gratifying things to happen in my musical career which this year spans 70 years of active participation.
WS: Tell us about your new album, Songs From My Mother’s Hands?
MW: I had entertained the idea of making this album for a long time. It is a very true representation of my early childhood and her dedication to the music. When we became aware of my Country Music Hall of Fame medallion ceremony, Peter Cooper and a number of other people approached me about doing a new album and I thought this one would be the most appropriate one at this time.
WS:What is your opinion on current bluegrass and county artists and the direction music is going?
MW: I do a lot of monitoring and try to be aware of what is going on. While some of it I am not in favor of and don’t particularly enjoy, there are still some real pioneers out there who are doing well. The biggest problem I find–and being absolutely honest with myself and not having a pity party– is that we are losing so many of the older artists before they get recognized for their contributions. In music, people don’t really change. We just get a new batch of artist all trying to make it with their own uniqueness. They modernize things and things have to progress.
