The story of Kelly Canter (Oscar nominee Gwyneth Paltrow), from her shaky relationship with husband/manager James Canter (Tim McGraw) to her romantic entanglement with young singer Beau Hutton (Garrett Hedlund), continually lassoes in repeat viewers of Country Strong. There's even off-screen star power, with Tobey Maguire listed as one of the film's associate producers.
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Beyond those characters and former beauty queen Chiles Stanton (Leighton Meester), director Shana Feste's version of Nashville opened up acting roles for Music City's country stars, producers, songwriters and session musicians.
Some are hard to miss, namely Americana fashion plate and Kelly Canter bandmate Jim Lauderdale. Others, like fiddler Amanda Shires, played blink and you'll miss it roles during the film's live music performances.
So, watch box office smash Country Strong this weekend and keep an eye out for these country music cameos.
Lari White
The singer behind three Top 10 hits from the '90s ("That's My Baby," "That's How You Know (When You're In Love)" and "Now I Know") appears in the film as a hair stylist.
White died in 2018 after a battle with cancer. She was survived by her husband and frequent co-writer, Chuck Cannon.
Ed Bruce
You might've noticed that the grizzled, mustachioed Clint looks like an old country singer. The boot fits the foot in this case, because that's actually Ed Bruce, the singer-songwriter responsible for "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys."
Marshall Chapman
Another '70s outlaw, Marshall Chapman, plays Winnie. She's had a hand in everything over the years from classic solo recording "Rode Hard and Put Up Wet" to WWE Hall of Famer Hillbilly Jim's entrance theme.
Amanda Shires
As mentioned before, Kelly's fiddler is none other than Shires, a former Texas Playboys collaborator turned 400 Unit member and solo rock 'n' roller.
Jim Lauderdale
A more prominently featured bandmate of Kelly's is the multi-talented, well-dressed Lauderdale. His music spans the spectrum of country, bluegrass and roots music, while his songs have been recorded by the likes of George Strait, Vince Gill and The Chicks.
Chris Scruggs
One of Beau's bandmates has the family ties his surname implies. He's Earl Scruggs' grandson and Gary Scruggs and Gail Davies' son. Nowadays, he tours and records with Marty Stuart as one of the Fabulous Superlatives.
Cory Younts
Beau's traveling crew of musicians also includes a multi-instrumentalist from the Old Crow Medicine Show.
Ian Fitchuk
Back on the topic of snazzy dressers, this co-producer and co-writer is known in part for his work on Kacey Musgraves' Grammy-winning album Golden Hour. He joins Scruggs and Younts on camera as a member of Beau's band.
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Neal Casal
The late, great guitarist and producer associated with Ryan Adams and The Jayhawks made his lone acting appearance as a member of Kelly's band. He's also credited as Hedlund's guitar coach.
Danny Flowers
Flowers' work as a songwriter includes "Tulsa Time," a standard for both Don Williams and Eric Clapton. He's one of the studio band members alongside pedal steel wiz Steve Hinson, fellow songwriting legend Gary Nicholson and award-winning drummer Fred Eltringham.
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