Steve Martin Pens Bluegrass Album, Preps Grand Ole Opry Debut

Saturday Night Live veteran and movie star Steve Martin is letting his country roots show. Following the recent release of his album The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, the comedian is Nashville-bound: on May 30 he’ll be taking his bluegrass music to the renowned Grand Ole Opry.

Though known for his memorable characters on SNL sketches and his role in films like The Jerk and The Pink Panther remakes, Martin is not a stranger to the music world – he has been playing banjo since the age of 17. His recent release showcases his talent as both a performer and a composer – The Crow features fifteen pieces that he wrote himself. The caliber of his guest artists is also impressive, with names like Dolly Parton and Vince Gill gracing the liner notes. While Martin is rather self-depreciating about his abilities, longtime friend and professional musician Jon McEuen thinks otherwise. As the founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band told Billboard, “The Opry audience will find out when Steve picks, that he’s a musician disguised as an actor.” McEuen will join Martin for next month’s debut, along with the likes of Amy Grant and Tim O’Brien. Currently being distributed through Amazon.com, The Crow will appear in stores by the end of the year.