It was a significant move in Stuart's career, as before The Pilgrim, he had been focusing more on trying to score a hit song instead of making the music that really mattered to him.

The album features many country/bluegrass legends as guest stars, including Emmylou Harris, Pam Tillis, George Jones, Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs and Johnny Cash.

Norman then regained control, and shook The Pilgrim's hand, saying "I just wanted to meet the man that tore up my home and let him see what it's done".

The Pilgrim tried reasoning with Norman, claiming that he did not know Rita was married, but his words fell on deaf ears.

The album fared poorly in the charts, but was popular amongst critics and Stuart's fans, receiving almost entirely positive reviews.

[citation needed] In honor of the album's 20th anniversary in 2019, The Pilgrim was reissued in several forms, including digital and vinyl deluxe editions featuring 10 previously unreleased bonus tracks.

They have performed tracks such as 'Reasons', 'Red, Red Wine, And Cheatin' Songs', 'Hobo's Prayer', 'The Greatest Love Of All Time', 'The Pilgrim (Act III)' and with special guest Earl Scruggs, 'Mr John Henry, Steel Driving Man'.