Written By JR Robinson

Nashville and Memphis—two cities separated by miles, but united by a spirit of renewal—are at the heart of a transformative story flowing from country music’s timeless anthem “Rhinestone Cowboy.” At the nexus of this movement is Marie Pizano, serial entrepreneur, champion of community collaboration, and dynamic founder of MVP3 Music Group. Through her vision, classic songs, original talent, and multicultural energy collide, creating new platforms for established legends and grassroots voices alike.

This deep-dive explores the expanding legacy of “Rhinestone Cowboy,” tracing its journey from Larry Weiss’s pen in the ’70s to today’s groundbreaking reimaginings, community-centric music series, and the purposeful bridge now spanning Nashville and Memphis. From the Honky Tonk Mariachi’s inspired transformations to the ongoing mentorship that’s shaping the region’s future sound, we reveal how music—and community—are stronger than ever.

The Visionary: Marie Pizano’s Path from Memphis to Nashville

Marie Pizano isn’t just a businesswoman; she’s an architect of community and an innovator in music and culture. Her company, MVP3 Music Group, is redefining what it means to empower artists and transform legacy. Pizano’s work managing a catalog of over 600 songs across genres—licensed for television, movies, and advertising—reflects her commitment to connecting talent with opportunity.

Rooted in Memphis, a city renowned for its musical heritage and vibrant communities, Pizano’s own experience with working with nonprofits like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Novick Global Cardiac Alliance, Women’s Foundation For Greater Memphis, YWCA for Greater Memphis and founding MVP3 Foundation has informed her approach: meaningful community engagement, strong storytelling, and always putting people first. This ethos now extends to her work in Nashville, where she’s fostering creative partnerships and launching initiatives like the Let’s Come Together music series to unite musicians, audiences, and causes.

Larry Weiss: The Songwriter Whose Legend Lives On

Laurence D. “Larry” Weiss’s biography is a master class in American songwriting. Born in 1941 in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Queens, Weiss carved his place in music history with classics that span genres and generations.

• Defining songs: He penned the immortal “Rhinestone Cowboy,” made famous by Glen Campbell in 1975, and co-wrote hits like “Bend Me, Shape Me” and “Hi Ho Silver Lining.”
• Versatility: His work has graced R&B, pop, and country, with songs recorded by icons ranging from Nat "King" Cole to The Shirelles.
• Legacy: “Rhinestone Cowboy” in particular remains a cultural touchstone, inspiring not only artists but musicals and films.

Weiss’s move to Nashville in the early ’90s cemented his ongoing influence in country and Americana music, nurturing new talent and shaping the sound of the city he now calls home.

“Let’s Come Together”: Building Musical Bridges

The Let’s Come Together music series, founded by Marie Pizano, is much more than a collection of concerts. It’s a visionary initiative to unite musicians, songwriters, and communities from Nashville, Memphis, and beyond:

• Origins: Launched at the Wynot Saloon in Nashville, the series offered intimate evenings of performance and storytelling. Its mission: to build community through shared musical experience.
• Expansion: Plans are underway to unveil a new, larger Nashville venue as the series relaunches in late fall, with partnerships that promise to take the project to fresh heights.
• Re-launching Memphis Music Series: Starting Sunday, July 27th at Tony’s Trophy Room in Collierville, TN. 
• Starting New Series: To expand in Clarksdale, MS.  
• Purpose: By inviting artists of every background and experience level, Let’s Come Together forges creative and cultural bridges—spotlighting underrepresented voices while honoring tradition        

This approach echoes the work Pizano has done for other Memphis-based organizations: boosting engagement, promoting events with clarity, and infusing every gathering with a sense of purpose.

The Transformative Power of “Rhinestone Cowgirl”: A Memphis & Nashville Story

It truly is a testament to the enduring legacy of "Rhinestone Cowboy," said Marie Pizano. Through her leadership and vision, a transformative partnership blossomed, giving rise to "Rhinestone Cowgirl"—a bold, new iteration resonating throughout both Nashville and Memphis.

The Collaborators

• Stephanie Urbina Jones & The Honky Tonk Mariachi:
  Jones, renowned for fusing classic country with mariachi influences, leads a band that’s boldly redefining genre boundaries.

• Wendy Moten:
  A proud daughter of Memphis, Moten brings a legacy of powerhouse vocals—from her accolades on The Voice to her role with the Grammy-winning group The Time Jumpers.

With the direct blessing of Larry Weiss, who celebrated both the spirit and the evolution of his iconic song, “Rhinestone Cowgirl” was born. Featured on Jones’s album Manuel’s Destiny (September 2023), the single transforms the original anthem into a triumphant celebration of women’s perseverance and multicultural dreams.

Behind the Song

• Creative Process:
  Jones and Moten recorded separately, finally uniting for a debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry in October 2022—a moment both artists described as “magic.”

• Cultural Impact:
  As Moten shared: “The fact that the songwriter gave Stephanie permission to change the gender was amazing. Having The Honky Tonk Mariachi added another beautiful layer… The mariachi is the secret weapon!”

• Reception:
  Dan Rogers, Executive Producer of the Opry, affirmed their impact: “When the right singer finds the right song, everybody wins.”

Memphis & Nashville: A Bridge for Inclusion

The “Rhinestone Cowgirl” project is far more than nostalgia. It stands as a living, breathing example of how music finds new life through intentional community, multicultural collaboration, and a drive to share untold stories.

• Highlighting Diversity:
  With two women reinvigorating a classic country hit, the song becomes an emblem of progress within country and Americana music, showing how the genre continues to evolve and open its doors to new voices and perspectives.

• Connecting Communities:
  Wendy Moten’s Memphis roots, together with her upcoming Memphis Music Hall of Fame induction in 2025, spotlight the shared heritage and mutual support between Memphis and Nashville’s vibrant music scenes.

This spirit of partnership deeply reflects your own work spotlighting Memphis artists and organizations—using storytelling and unique platforms to connect people, uplift voices, and make lasting community impact.

From 1975 to Today: “Rhinestone Cowboy” Across Generations

The story of “Rhinestone Cowboy” is a testament to the power of chasing dreams—even in the face of obstacles. This message has carried through every era of the song:

• Glen Campbell’s Hit (1975):
  The original song rose to the top of the charts, becoming a worldwide anthem.

• Bruce Springsteen’s Cover (2019):
  Springsteen closed his film Western Stars with a heartfelt version, demonstrating the song’s ability to transcend genres and generations.

• Dolly Parton & "Rhinestone" (1984):
  The anthem inspired a Hollywood film starring Parton and Sylvester Stallone, with costumes designed by Manuel Cuevas.

• A New Musical:
  Larry Weiss currently develops "Rhinestone Cowboy: The Musical," inspiring a fresh chapter in storytelling through song and theater.

Manuel Cuevas, whose decades-long friendship with Weiss has deep roots, has styled music legends from Johnny Cash and John Lennon to Dolly Parton—bridging the past to the present with every stitch and every note.

Mentorship and Community Impact

The journey of “Rhinestone Cowboy”—and now “Rhinestone Cowgirl”—goes beyond chart history. It’s about mentorship, legacy, and paying it forward:

• Larry Weiss’s Contributions:
  Honored by the Country Music Association and MVP3 Foundation for 50 years of songwriting, Weiss continues to give back through panels, workshops, and mentoring in the Let’s Come Together series.

• Marie Pizano’s Leadership:
  Heralded for supporting emerging musicians, Pizano’s approach opens doors, fosters inclusion, and helps bridge the gap between seasoned stars and the next generation.

These efforts mirror best practices in community engagement and content creation, as seen in your own nonprofit collaborations with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club or Girls Inc. of Memphis. The lesson is clear: celebrating legacy means always making room for new voices and new dreams.

A New Chapter for Two Cities

As Nashville and Memphis look forward—where history, inclusion, and creativity unite—“Rhinestone Cowboy” and its evolving legacy stand as a symbol of possibility. Through visionaries like Marie Pizano and the artists and communities she brings together, the past is honored, new bridges are built, and every generation continues to discover its own soundtrack.

Let’s Come Together isn’t just a music series—it’s an invitation to real action. Through classic songs reborn, powerful collaborations, and grassroots community work, the ongoing story of “Rhinestone Cowboy” in Nashville and Memphis proves that when communities join forces, the music—and the movement—are truly unstoppable.