Quick Chat: With Steve Martin
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Steve Martin discusses the Grammy Awards, banjo playing and the Stagecoach Festival.
Actor-comedian-musician Steve Martin has won four Grammys over just as many decades — two awards for comedy albums and two for his work as a banjo player. He’s up again for best bluegrass album with his band Steep Canyon Rangers (Martin and band play the Stagecoach Festival in April). The multi-tasking performer shared his Grammy hopes and fears, as well as thoughts about his forthcoming book, “The Ten, Make that Nine, Habits of Very Organized People. Make that Ten. The Tweets of Steve Martin,” with Pop and Hiss.
One more Grammy and you’ll catch up Taylor Swift. Is the prospect of winning another still exciting?
I want to win not only for the glory and the pleasure of defeating the other nominees, but also for the glory and the pleasure of defeating the other nominees.
Do you have an acceptance speech planned?
I don’t, but I do have a copy of Alison Krauss’ acceptance speech for her last 37 wins.
PHOTOS: Grammys 2012: Top nominees
Are you friendly with the other nominees in the bluegrass category?
I have met all of them and liked all of them until now.
Are there banjo “beefs” similar to those in the rap world?
Similar, except we use poison.
Most indelible banjo moment in pop culture?
They are too not-numerable to name.
What sort of expectations/hopes/fears do you have about playing Stagecoach?
We have played Bonnaroo, the New Orleans Jazz Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. That said, I didn’t know I should be worried about playing Stagecoach until just now.
And then there’s the book [out on Feb. 21]. What was your inspiration, in 140 characters or less?
I am very excited about my Twitter book, which is released on February 21, because it.
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--Lorraine Ali
