Jimmy Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmy Martin
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Henry Martin |
| Born | August 10, 1927 Sneedville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | May 14, 2005 (aged 77) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Bluegrass |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, mandolin |
| Years active | 1949–2005 |
| Labels | Decca, Coral, MCA, Gusto |
| Associated acts | Bill Monroe |
James Henry Martin (born August 10, 1927 – died May 14, 2005) was an American bluegrass singer and musician. People often called him the "King of Bluegrass."
Contents
Early Life
Jimmy Martin was born in Sneedville, Tennessee, United States. He grew up on a farm in rural East Tennessee. He learned to sing in church and with friends from nearby farms. His mother and stepfather, who sang gospel music, were his first musical inspirations. As a teenager, he played guitar in a local band. He also performed on the radio with Tex Climer and the Blue Band Coffee Boys.
Music Career
Joining Bill Monroe
In 1949, Jimmy Martin traveled to Nashville, Tennessee. He wanted to join Bill Monroe's famous band, the Blue Grass Boys. He found his way backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. While playing his guitar, the band's banjo player, Rudy Lyle, heard him. Rudy introduced Jimmy to Bill Monroe. After singing two songs, Jimmy was hired!
From 1949, Jimmy Martin became the lead singer for Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. His high voice mixed with Monroe's tenor created a special sound. This sound became known as the "high lonesome" sound. Jimmy's singing style encouraged Monroe to make his songs more "lonesome." This period was a highlight for Monroe's band.
Forming The Sunny Mountain Boys
Jimmy Martin had a very energetic personality. This sometimes led to disagreements with Bill Monroe's equally strong character. Eventually, Jimmy left Monroe's band. He worked briefly with the Osborne Brothers. Then, in 1955, he started his own band called The Sunny Mountain Boys.
The band's classic lineup included J. D. Crowe on banjo and "Big" Paul Williams on bass. They created a style called "Good 'n Country." This style was popular and fun, with simple harmonies and catchy tunes. Jimmy's strong guitar playing helped drive the band's sound. He also helped popularize a guitar lick called the "G run" in bluegrass music.
Unique Sound and Hits
Jimmy Martin's unique sound had three main parts. First, he had a clear, high voice. Second, his band used tight three-part singing. Sometimes, a female singer added a fourth part. Third, they used a snare drum instead of a mandolin to keep the beat.
Some of Jimmy's biggest hits in the 1960s included "Hit Parade of Love" and "Widow Maker." His instrumental songs, like "Theme Time" and "Red Rooster," were also very popular. These songs featured amazing playing by banjo players like J.D. Crowe.
Collaborations and Performances
In the 1960s and 1970s, Gloria Belle joined The Sunny Mountain Boys. She was one of the first female lead singers in bluegrass music. She even toured Japan with Jimmy in 1975.
Jimmy Martin was known for his lively and entertaining stage presence. He performed often on the Louisiana Hayride and WWVA Jamboree. He also appeared many times at the Grand Ole Opry. However, he was never invited to become a full member.
He also performed on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's famous album, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, in 1971. He also appeared on its later volumes. Later, he joined producers Randall Franks and Alan Autry for a Christmas CD. He sang "Christmas Time's A Comin'" with the cast of the TV show In the Heat of the Night.
Later Years and Passing
Jimmy Martin passed away in Nashville on May 14, 2005. He had been diagnosed with bladder cancer about a year before. He is buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville. Many people called him one of the greatest bluegrass singers.
Legacy
In 1995, Jimmy Martin was honored. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. A movie about his life, King of Bluegrass: The Life and Times of Jimmy Martin, came out in 2003. He was also featured in the documentary film High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music.
Jimmy Martin enjoyed raccoon hunting with dogs as a hobby. He even showed his hunting dogs on some of his album covers. He also wrote songs celebrating his dogs.
See also
- Thomas Edd Mayfield
