COUNTRY TREASURES

By Bobby Reed
Chicago Sun-Times
May 16, 2001, WEDNESDAY

Copyright 2001 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.

Among the artifacts in the new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum:

Hank Williams' white stage costume, decorated with blue music notes, designed by the famous tailor Nudie Cohn. Donated by Hank Williams Jr.
Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan's handwritten manuscript for "Wanted Man." From personal collection of singer-songwriter Marty Stuart.
Hank Williams' handwritten manuscript for "I Saw the Light." From Stuart's personal collection.
A mixing console used by famed country producer Owen Bradley.
A handwritten letter from Jimmie Rodgers to producer Ralph Peer, dated Aug. 10, 1930.
A handwritten letter from Patsy Cline to a fan, dated 1955.
Artificial cornstalks from the set of the TV show "Hee-Haw."
Dolly Parton's handwritten manuscript for "Jolene."
Conway Twitty's high-school yearbook.
A fringed shirt worn by Jason Ringenberg of alt-country pioneers Jason & the Scorchers.
Elvis Presley's 1960 Cadillac limousine, painted with 40 coats of a mixture that included crushed diamonds, gold dust and fish scales.
Webb Pierce's 1962 Pontiac convertible, customized with horseshoes on the gas and brake pedals, ornamental handguns on the door handles, and steer horns on the front bumper.
Carter Stanley's modified Martin D-28 guitar and Ralph Stanley's first professional banjo.
Nudie Cohn's sewing machine and Hollywood billboard, which reads: "Nudie's Rodeo Tailors, Inc. Everything for the Horse and Rider."

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