Kerry Marx

{{Short description|American guitarist and studio musician}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2023}} {{Infobox musical artist | background = person | honorific_prefix = | name = Kerry Marx | honorific_suffix = | image = File:Kerry_Marx_-_Opry_Picture.jpg | image_upright = | image_size = | landscape = yes | alt = | caption = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | birth_name =  | alias = | birth_date =  | birth_place = Aiken, South Carolina | origin = | death_date =  | death_place = | genre = | occupation = Studio musician | instrument = | years_active =  | label = | current_member_of = | past_member_of = | spouse =  | partner =  | website = {{URL|http://www.kerrymarx.com/}} | module = South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame (Inducted 2023) | module2 = | module3 = }}

'''Kerry Alan Marx''' is an American guitarist and studio musician who has served as music director of the Grand Ole Opry's Opry Band since 2018.<ref name="Redmond">{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Making_It_in_Country_Music/3-R3EQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22Kerry+Marx%22&pg=PA29&printsec=frontcover |title=Making It in Country Music: An Insider's Look at the Industry|first1=Rich|last1=Redmond|date=2023|page=29-30|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=9798765160411}}</ref> He is best known for his work with that organization,<ref>{{cite news | title =Country singer graciously shares his memorable night at the Opry | newspaper =The Augusta Chronicle | date =9 May 2006 | url =http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2006/03/09/rho_68409.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917142916/http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2006/03/09/rho_68409.shtml#.V91TUnbP1qY | access-date =16 January 2014 |archive-date=September 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last =Hollabaugh | first =Lorie | title =Artist Updates | newspaper =Music Row | date =3 December 2013 | url =http://www.musicrow.com/2013/12/artist-updates-12313/ | access-date =3 January 2014 }}</ref> where he has been staff guitarist since 2000.<ref name="Pews">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-opry-in-the-pews-again/195461336/|title=Opry in the Pews Again: Month at Mother Church could mark the show's rebirth|first1=Jay|last1=Orr|date=January 6, 2000|pages=1F, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-month-at-mother-church-co/119875006/ 4F]|work=The Tennessean|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last =Waddell | first =Ray | title =Strong Support System: Opry Band, Singers and Dancers Think and Play on Their Feet | newspaper =Billboard | date =17 June 2000 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=mw8EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Kerry+Marx%22&pg=PA52 | access-date =7 January 2014 }}</ref> He has been described as being among "Nashville's most in-demand musicians",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/kristen-chenowrth-happiness-is-christmas/|title=Kristin Chenoweth Announces Holiday Album, 'Happiness Is...Christmas!'|first=Will|last=Schube|website=www.udiscovermusic.com|date=September 7, 2021|quote=Chenoweth teamed up with award-winning producers Jay Landers (Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler) and Fred Mollin (Jimmy Webb, Johnny Mathis) for the album... The duo enlisted a group of Nashville's most in-demand musicians for the recording sessions, including guitarists Bryan Sutton and Kerry Marx...}}</ref> and has played with many high-profile musicians including Johnny Cash,<ref>{{cite news | last =Washburn | first =Jim | title =Pop Music Review: Johnny Cashes In on the Past at the Coach House | newspaper =L.A. Times | date =10 August 1992 | url =https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-10-ca-4782-story.html | access-date =3 January 2014 }}</ref> Taylor Swift, John Legend, James Taylor, and Steven Tyler. He was guitarist for the CD "Songs From The Neighborhood," which received a Grammy award, the album ''Many Moods of Moses'' which received a Grammy nomination, and for the 2 time multi-platinum self-titled album by musical group Blackhawk.

Marx was also a member of The Johnny Cash Show band,<ref>{{cite book | last =Smith | first =John L. | title =Another song to sing: the recorded repertoire of Johnny Cash | publisher =Scarecrow Press | date =1999 }}</ref><ref name="Laton">{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Thirty_Years_behind_the_Scenes_with_the/OcBGEQAAQBAJ |title=Thirty Years Behind the Scenes with the Man in Black, Johnny Cash|first1=Allen|last1=Laton|year=2025|page=66, 72}}</ref> and toured extensively with Don McLean. In June 2023, Marx was inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame.<ref name="WYFF">{{cite web|url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/new-inductees-south-carolina-entertainment-music-hall-of-fame/43427364 |title=4 new inductees announced for SC Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame|first1=Stephanie|last1=Moore|work=WYFF 4|date=March 27, 2023|quote=The third inductee for 2023 is Kerry Marx. Marx is the current music director at the Grand Ole Opry and has been since 2018. Before that, Marx was a guitarist at the Grand Ole Opry. He is from Aiken, South Carolina.}}</ref><ref name="Greenville Journal">{{cite web|url=https://greenvillejournal.com/arts-culture/three-upstate-sc-entertainers-named-2023-sc-entertainment-music-hall-of-fame-inductees/ |title=Three Upstate entertainers named 2023 SC Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame inductees|first1=Jeannie|last1=Putnam|work=Greenville Journal|date=March 28, 2023}}</ref><ref name="SCHOF">{{cite web|url=https://www.carolinafame.org/june-3rd-show |title=Hall of Fame Induction Show, Inductees for June 3rd., 2023|publisher=South Carolina Hall of Fame}}</ref>

==Biography== ===Early life, education, and career=== Born in Aiken, South Carolina,<ref name="WYFF"/> Marx studied music at the University of South Carolina;<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://kerrymarx.com/index.htm |title=Kerry Marx|website=kerrymarx.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029000033/http://kerrymarx.com/index.htm |access-date=2016-09-02|archive-date=October 29, 2016 }}</ref> a 1971 article noted that he was a "stand-in bass guitarist" for Wax Bean, the winning band in an Aiken Battle of the Bands.<ref>"[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119875190/wax-bean-is-winner-in-battle-of-bands/ 'Wax Bean' Is Winner In Battle Of Bands]", ''Aiken Standard'' (November 3, 1971), p. 4-B.</ref> He then went on to concentrate in jazz guitar while attending North Texas State University in Denton, TX.<ref name=":0"/> He moved to Nashville in 1981 and has played a variety of jazz, pop, rock, and country music in the Nashville recording scene.<ref name=":0" /> Marx "broke into the demo scene gradually, in between road trips".<ref name="Daley">Dan Daley, ''Nashville's Unwritten Rules-Inside The Business of Country Music'' (The Overlook Press, 1998), [https://archive.org/details/nashvillesunwrit00dand/mode/2up?q=%22Kerry+Marx%22 p. 268-70], {{ISBN|0879518898}}.</ref> Marx related the frustrations of working as a session musician during that time, noting that session producers often did not convey their thoughts about whether the session had gone well. On one song recorded by both Mark Chesnutt and Chad Mullins, Marx "came up with a guitar line that the publisher said he wasn't crazy about", but that Marx then heard on the records, "played by a steel instead of a guitar"—an experience that Marx said "reassures me about my song sense and session sense".<ref name="Daley"/>

Marx toured with artists such as Ray Price (1979–1981), Jerry Reed (1981–1983), Razzy Bailey (1983–1984), Ronnie Milsap (1984–1987), Johnny Cash (1989–1992), Toby Keith and Shania Twain (1993), Don McLean (2001–2023), Lee Ann Womack (2004), Porter Wagoner (2006), Steve Wariner (2006–2007), Lynda Carter (2008–2022),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-LYNDA-CARTER-THIS-LIFE-MY-MUSIC-MY-STORY-At-Jazz-At-Lincoln-Center-20191015|title=Lynda Carter "This Life: My Music, My Story", At Jazz At Lincoln Center|first=Brady|last=Schwind|website=BroadwayWorld.com}}</ref> Olivia Newton-John (2012–2018), Johnny Mathis (2016–2024).<ref name=":0" /> Other artists Marx is noted to have worked with include Natalie Cole, Taylor Swift, John Legend, James Taylor, and Branford Marsalis.<ref name="Redmond"/> By 1983, Marx had become the lead guitarist of the True Life Country Band backing B. J. Thomas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-bj-thomas-sound-is-lu/195493388/|title=B.J. Thomas sound is lush, but falls into kissing trap|date=April 15, 1983|pages=8|work=The Cleveland Plain Dealer|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> A 1986 review of a Ronnie Milsap benefit concert in Durham, North Carolina noted that despite the country tones of the show, "other aspects of the performance more closely resembled a rock concert, such as Kerry Marx's soaring lead guitar solo".<ref>Bob Nowell, "[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119875289/milsap-weaves-many-influences-into-a/ Milsap weaves many influences into a memorable show]", ''The Raleigh News and Observer'' (June 4, 1986), p. 11B.</ref> Marx's association with Johnny Cash began in 1989 when Cash's longtime guitarist Bob Wooton took a leave of absence from performing.<ref name="Laton"/> He was noted for his contribution to Cash's song, "I'm an Easy Rider" from the 1991 album, ''The Mystery of Life'', described as "a road song featuring Kerry Marx's hard-edged and doubled-up baritone guitar".<ref>C. Eric Banister, ''Johnny Cash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Man in Black'' (Backbeat Books, 2014), p. 330. {{ISBN|978-1480385405}}</ref> Marx left Cash's band in 1992 to pursue other projects.<ref name="Laton"/> In the late 1990s, he was also lead guitarist in TNN's ''Prime Time Country'' band.<ref name="Pews"/>

===Opry Band membership and later work=== Amidst concerns about declining Opry participation by high-profile members, newly promoted Grand Ole Opry director Pete Fisher fired five members of the Opry Band, and brought on Marx, as well as fiddler Hoot Hester, and drummer John Gardner.<ref name="Pews"/> The new lineup, with Marx as staff guitarist, debuted in January 2000,<ref name="Pews"/><ref name="Redmond"/> and was well-received, with a 2001 review of the ''Grand Ole Opry'' house band noting that "pianist Tim Atwood and guitarist Kerry Marx play with rare taste, feel, and soul".<ref>"[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119875854/for-great-music-look-into-the-shadows/ For great music, look into the shadows]", ''The Tennessean'' (August 24, 2001), p, 7F.</ref>

Concurrently with his work on the Opry Band, Marx has performed and composed for major networks, most notably for the Lionel Richie Special (2012), Hannah Montana, American Music Awards (2005–2017), Billboard Music Awards (20012–2022), Academy of Country Music Awards (2003–2022), CMA Christmas (2012–2019), Country Music Association (CMA) Awards (2011–2021, 1992 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the 1985 Grammy Awards.<ref name=":0" /> Working with Lynda Carter, Marx also performed original music for the 2015 video game, ''Fallout 4''. In 2017, for former state trooper Michael Luster's tribute song for fallen military members and first responders, Kerry assembled a group of session musicians who had worked with numerous famous performers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-state-journal-register-tribute/195445954/|title=Retired trooper writes song |first1=Steven|last1=Spearie|date=April 24, 2017|pages=15–16|work=The Springfield State Journal-Register|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> In 2020, he performed on a Christmas project for sisters Kandy Isley and Kim Johnson.<ref>Kevin C. Johnson, "Sibling singers come up with their own Christmas project", ''St. Louis Post-Dispatch'' (December 25, 2020), p. G7.</ref> In February 2021, Marx was one of four members of the Opry house band brought into Daywind Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee, as an electric guitarist on the Darin & Brooke Aldridge song, "Grand Ole Circle".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/country/makin-tracks-darin-brooke-aldridge-grand-ole-circle-1235058546/|title=Makin' Tracks: Bluegrass Duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge Honor Opry With 'Grand Ole Circle'|publisher=Billboard.com|first1=Tom|last1=Roland|date=April 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bluegrasstoday.com/grand-ole-circle-video-from-darin-brooke-aldridge/|title=Grand Ole Circle video from Darin & Brooke Aldridge|publisher=Bluegrass Today|first=John|last=Lawless|date=January 28, 2022}}</ref>

Beginning in 2023, Marx has also been a member of The Tennessee Four, a group formed to celebrate the legacy of Johnny Cash. The ensemble features Cash's grandson, Thomas Gabriel, along with veteran musicians who performed with Cash during his career, including Marx on guitar, Paul Leim on drums, and Dave Roe on bass.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hollabaugh |first=Lorie |title=Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate The Music & Influence Of Johnny Cash |url=https://musicrow.com/2023/08/grand-ole-opry-to-celebrate-the-music-influence-of-johnny-cash/ |website=MusicRow |date=August 30, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Tennessee Four preserves the legacy of Johnny Cash |url=https://www.foxcarolina.com/video/2024/07/24/tennessee-four-preserves-legacy-johnny-cash/ |website=Fox Carolina |date=July 24, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2026}}</ref> Marx also featured on several songs for the 2024 album, ''Songwriter'', containing previously unreleased Johnny Cash recordings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goldminemag.com/artist-news/previously-unreleased-recordings-of-johnny-cash-take-center-stage-on-new-release/ |title=Previously unreleased recordings of Johnny Cash take center stage on new release|work=Goldmine Magazine|date=April 23, 2024}}</ref>

In March 2023, Marx was inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame for his music career,<ref name="WYFF"/><ref name="Greenville Journal"/><ref name="SCHOF"/> and in May 2023, Marx toured with Don McLean in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.noise11.com/news/don-mclean-goes-out-on-the-top-of-his-game-on-final-australian-tour-20230501 |title=Don McLean Goes Out On The Top Of His Game On Final Australian Tour|first1=Paul|last1=Cashmere|website=noise11.com |date=May 1, 2023|quote=The credentials in this band are worldclass. Guitarist Kerry Marx worked with Johnny Cash and when he isn't touring with Don is a member of the Grand Old Opry staff band performing with over 10 artists a week at the legendary Nashville music venue.}}</ref> In March 2024, Marx performed in a career retrospective with then 89-year-old Johnny Mathis,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-at-89-johnny-mathis-wonder/193484525/|title=At 89, Johnny Mathis wonderful|first1=Jon|last1=Bream|date=March 10, 2025|pages=A10|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> and later that month was announced as the featured entertainer for the 2024 South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/greenville-journal-sc-music-entertainme/193484590/|title=SC Music, Entertainment Hall of Fame Induction at Furman on April 25|date=March 29, 2024|pages=18|work=Greenville Journal|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> In May 2025, Marx performed with then 90-year-old trumpeter Herb Alpert.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://localspins.com/herb-alpert-turns-back-clock-with-verve-charisma-and-tijuana-brass-classics-local-spins/|title=Herb Alpert turns back clock with verve, classic songs|first=Ross|last=Boissoneau|work=Local Spins|date=May 12, 2025}}</ref>

{{As of|2011}}, Marx played Schenk guitars, handcrafted by Silverdale, Washington, engineer and guitar maker Rod Schenk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/silverdale-man-guitar-making-prodigy-ep-417941945-356974481.html |title=Silverdale man merges two careers|date=December 11, 2011|work=Kitsap Sun}}</ref> Over the course of his career, Marx came up with four points to convey to musicians trying to succeed in the industry: be realistic in self-assessing your ability; avoid taking jobs that take time away from your career; be pleasant and friendly; and "Don't go away!"<ref name="Redmond"/>

==Discography==

* 1990, ''The Mystery of Life'', Johnny Cash, acoustic guitar, electric guitar * 1993, ''Bob Dylan – The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration'', guitar<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/keystoraindefini0000trag |title=Keys to the Rain: The Definitive Bob Dylan Encyclopedia|first=Oliver|last=Trager|date=May 17, 2004|publisher=New York: Billboard Books|page=69-70|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> * 1995, ''Standing On The Edge'', Johnny Berry, electric guitar * 1997, ''Christmas Time'', Eddy Arnold, electric guitar * 1997, ''Many Moods of Moses'', Beenie Man, guitar * 1997, ''Butterfly Kisses'', Jeff Carson, guitar * 2000, ''Greatest Hits'', Blackhawk, electric guitar * 2002, ''American IV: The Man Comes Around'', Johnny Cash, acoustic guitar * 2003, ''O Mickey, Where Art Thou'', Disney, acoustic guitar * 2003, ''Comfort of Her Wings'', Charley Pride, main personnel, electric guitar * 2007, ''The Great Lost Performance'', Johnny Cash, main personnel, guitar * 2008, ''How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry'', acoustic guitar, main personnel * 2008, ''Best of BJ Thomas'', BJ Thomas, acoustic guitar, electric guitar * 2009, ''Then Sings My Soul'', Ronnie Milsap, acoustic guitar * 2011, ''Choices'', Charley Pride, electric guitar * 2013, ''Sending You A Little Christmas'', Johnny Mathis (with Natalie Cole, Susan Boyle, Jim Brickman), electric guitar, acoustic guitar

== Television ==

=== Guitarist and composer === <ref name=":0" /> {{columns-list|colwidth=30em| * 2016, ''Two and a Half Men'' * 2002–2003, Academy of Country Music Pre-Show * 2003–2022, Academy of Country Music Awards * 2013–2022, Billboard Music Awards * 2005, 20th Anniversary-Academy of Country Music * 2005–2016, American Music Awards * 2011–2022, ABC CMA Awards * 2007–2012, ''Hannah Montana'' * 2007–2009, Colgate Country Showdown * 2008–2009, Miss America Pageant * 2009, George Strait Tribute * 2009-2017, My First Home * 2009–2012, ''American Idol'' * 2010–2012, ''Men Seeking Women'' * 2011, CMT's Next Superstar * 2011, Country Divas TV Special * 2011–2012, ''I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant'' * 2012, ABC-Lionel Richie Special * 2012-2017, ''Auction Kings'' * 2012-2017, ''Duck Dynasty'' * 2012, ''Here Comes Honey Boo Boo'' * 2012, ''Toddlers & Tiaras'' * ''Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'' * ''Passions'' * ''Guiding Light'' * ''Another World'' * ''As the World Turns'' * ''Riviera'' (French soap opera) * ''Prime Time Country'' * ''All My Children'' }}

=== Live TV credits === <ref name=":0" /> {{columns-list|colwidth=30em| * ABC Lionel Richie Special * 2011–2016, ABC CMA Christmas * NPT-In Performance at the White House * TNN "Prime Time Country" * Grand Ole Opry Live * Grand Ole Opry Gospel Special * Dove Awards * Music City Tonight * Late Nite With David Letterman * 1992 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony * 1985 Grammy Awards * Solid Gold * Grammy Living Legends Awards * Entertainment Tonight * Hee Haw * Austin City Limits * CBS Country Christmas * The Jimmy Dean Show * Wrangler Country Star Search * New Country * Bob Braun Show * Nashville Now * Today Show * Tommy Hunter Show * Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Special * Dick Clark Great American Sing-Along * Toast to Burt Reynolds * Solid Gold Christmas Show * Pop Goes the Country * That Nashville Music * Jerry Reed and Special Friends * Music City USA * Nashville Palace * Nashville After Hours * Tribute to Ralph Emery Show * Company's Comin- Porter Wagoner TNN Special * On Stage }}

== Film soundtracks == <ref name=":0" /> * ''We Were Soldiers'' (w/ Dave Matthews & Johnny Cash) * ''The Apostle'' (w/ Wynonna & Gary Chapman) * ''Red Rocks West'' (w/ Johnny Cash)

== Jingles and commercial products== <ref name=":0" /> {{columns-list|colwidth=22em| * Apple Logic Pro demo sounds * American Automobile Association * Captain America toys * Captain Planet Toys * Chevrolet * Chex Cereal * Churchill Downs * Citgo * CMT * Eveready Batteries * Ford Trucks * General Motors * Goody's Department Stores * H&R Block * HGTV * Honda * John Deere * Kahn's Meats * King's Island * Larami Toys * Lincoln * Little King Cream Ale * McDonald's * Murray Bikes * Procter & Gamble products * RCA * Sangria Wine * Super Soaker Toy Guns * Tampa Bay Bandits * Tyson's Chicken * Universal Tire * Wal-Mart * Yellow Pages * Sandals Resorts}}

==Personal life== In November 1975, Marx married Janice Christine Wynn in Dayton, Ohio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/dayton-daily-news-marriage-of-marx-wyn/195447995/|title=Marriage of Marx|date=November 7, 1975|pages=14|work=Dayton Daily News|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [https://www.opry.com/artists/the-opry-band-kerry-marx/ Grand Ole Opry page for Kerry Marx] * [https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/2018/08/07/kerry-marx-interview/ Kerry Marx Interview – Music Director, Grand Ole Opry], ''Everyone Loves Guitar'' #292 (August 7, 2018) * [https://www.followyourdreampodcast.com/episodes/kerry-marx-superstar-guitarist-music-director-for-the-grand-ole-opry-in-demand-session-musician-performed-with-taylor-swift-james-taylor-don-mclean-miss-america-acm-awards-show-and-more Kerry Marx - Superstar Guitarist. Music Director For The Grand Ole Opry], ''Follow Your Dream'' podcast * [https://johnnymathis.com/wp2/index.php/2020/11/14/kerry-marx/ Johnny Mathis website bio page for Kerry Marx] * {{IMDb name|5202796}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Marx, Kerry}} Category:Musicians from Nashville, Tennessee Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:American country guitarists Category:The Great Eighties Eight members