Stuart discloses "Songs I Sing in the Dark"

Stuart will share a song from the album a month, alongside a personal statement about the song's importance, both personally and in the context of country music.

"The title tells the story," Stuart said. "I have a long line of songs that range from obscure, originals, to old favorites from various musical worlds that I often sing to myself when I'm alone. Until recently, I had never formally made a list of all the titles. When I did, I saw in those titles so many great songs that need to be remembered and passed down."

"There was a mighty congregation of names of profound songwriters whose presence and lyrics are to be cherished. And looking into those songs, I could hear the music of those brilliant musicians, arrangers, and singers who brought those tunes to life and gave the world reason to love them. In the wake of these revelations, I was inspired to finally go to work on the idea of 'Songs I Sing in the Dark'."

Stuart shared a video introduction to the series today along with the lyric video for "Ready for the Times to Get Better," the first song from "Songs I Sing in the Dark." Allen Reynolds wrote the song, which was a hit for Crystal Gayle.

"I love the restless wisdom in the words, and those words are shadowed by a lonesome melody that is served up from the blue side of town," Stuart said. "As the pandemic raged on, 'Ready for the Times to Get Better' became my personal theme song. I can't seem to quit playing it. Several months later, I'm still at it. The title proclaims what every soul on planet earth undoubtable feels. It is the perfect country song, and I consider it an honor to sing such words."

Recently, The Country Music Association announced the induction of Stuart into the Country Music Hall of Fame's class of 2020 in the Modern Era Artist category. Stuart is inducted alongside Dean Dillon (Songwriter Category) and Hank Williams Jr. (Veterans Era Artist).

"It is the ultimate honor in country music," said Stuart. "I'm so honored to be included in this class and I'm honored to be included alongside Hank Jr. and Dean Dillon. I love those people. To be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame is beyond words. I'm usually not at a loss for words."

Stuart is currently raising funds and awareness for The Marty Stuart Congress of Country Music (MSCCM) in Philadelphia, Miss., his hometown, which will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of country music through a country music museum and performing arts center. Stuart has assembled a collection that spans over 20,000 pieces to tell a rich, emotional, and personal story of the lives of our common heritage.

The $30-million project will create a 50,000-square-foot campus featuring the historic and recently renovated Ellis Theater, a newly constructed museum, classrooms, a community hall, meeting and event space, and a rooftop performance venue. Changing displays will include internationally travelled artifacts and memorabilia, photography, outsider/folk art and Native American crafts. Musical programming will feature both stars and the emerging artists.