In the words of Sturgill Simpson, “The Ferg is a bona fide card carrying legendary hillbilly genius and when he talks you better shut up and listen” I took Sturgill’s advice! Fergie told amazing stories from nearly 50 years of musical history. Our conversation covered a lot of the influential folks who called Ferg a friend. He spoke at length about Cowboy Jack Clement, Johnny Cash, John Prine and Sturgill Simpson! Our topics included the studio and house fire at Clement’s legendary “Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa”, Ferguson’s own Butcher Shoppe Recording studio and all things Nashville along the way.

We also found time to talk about The Ferg’s new album “Nashville No More” due to be released September 3rd on Fat Possum Records. As you might expect, he has a stellar cast of players on this release including Stuart Duncan, Bela Fleck, Tim O’Brien, and Jerry Douglas.! Margo Price makes a duet appearance as does Sierra Hull! So far, there have been three singles which are included in the segment. These include the opening tune, “Knockin Around Nashville”, Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times Come Around Here No More” and Guy Clark’s “Boats to Build”.

The story telling makes evident that Ferg loves what he does. With lots of humor, he relates Nashville drinking spots where the real deals were made. His intimate friendships with Nashville (and America’s) elite musicians like Cash and Prine are genuine and no mere “name dropping”. On the contrary, these legends are simply Ferg’s pals. It makes for a fascinating listen. I hope you’ll give it a listen. It was a joy to document and as Sturgill advised, I just shut up and got out of Ferg’s way!!