Kerry “Doc” Stone, a veteran Nashville musician, longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry house band and adjunct faculty member at Tennessee Tech University, will step down after 25 years as the university’s guitar instructor.
Over a career that spans decades, Stone has performed alongside legendary artists including Johnny Cash, The Judds and Dolly Parton and has played more than 1,500 performances with WSM’s Grand Ole Opry house band. He also maintained a private teaching studio for more than 40 years and counted country music star Alan Jackson among his former students.
“Throughout his career, Doc was deeply committed to his students and brought a wealth of real-world experience into the classroom,” said Colin Hill, director of Tech’s School of Music. “He always had entertaining stories to share about the legendary musicians he worked with during his years performing in Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry. Students loved hearing his firsthand experiences from the music industry and learning from someone with such an accomplished background.”
Stone built a reputation as a versatile multi-instrumentalist with proficiency on guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass guitar, drums, dobro, dulcimer and harmonica. In addition to his performing career, he appeared on numerous radio and television programs and worked with artists including Ronnie Milsap, Larry Gatlin, Charlie Daniels and The Blackwood Brothers.
As an educator, Stone helped generations of players develop their own voices, navigate the twists and turns of a creative life and develop mastery as performing musicians. Through practical instruction, encouragement and a deep understanding of what it means to be a working musician, he positively impacted countless students during his quarter-century at Tech.
“In addition to being an outstanding guitar instructor, Doc also did an excellent job teaching music appreciation courses to non-music majors,” Hill added. “He had a unique ability to connect with students from all backgrounds and make music engaging, approachable, and meaningful.
Hill continued, “Doc is an incredibly talented musician, and his musicianship and endearing personality made him a valued colleague and friend within the School of Music.”
The Tennessee Tech School of Music has experienced significant growth in recent years, with enrollment increasing 82% from 2021 to today. It presents more than 200 recitals and concerts annually and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Learn more at www.tntech.edu/music.
Andrew Buckner
