Photo courtesy of MCA Records
Jimmy Martin known as “The King of Bluegrass” and “Mr. Good ‘N Country,” was born in Sneedville, Tennessee. His lifelong dream came true when he joined Bill Monroe in 1949 as lead singer and emcee. Jimmy worked with Bill Monroe for five years helping him write and record such high lonesome classics as “Uncle Pen”, “The Little Girl and the Dreadful Snake” and “I’ll Meet You in Church Sunday Morning” (which Jimmy actually sang tenor to Bill’s lead)”.
In 1953 he was joined by Bob and Sonny Osborne. Jimmy Martin and the Osborne Brothers performed and recorded now classic songs such as “She’s a Cute Thing”, “That’s How I Can Count on You”, “Chalk up Another One”, and “Save it! Save it!” Finally he formed his own band known as the Sunny Mountain Boys.
Jimmy and his group appeared as regulars on the WJR Barn Dance in Detroit, Michigan for several years. It was then in 1956 when he signed a long term contract for Decca Records (now known as MCA). With the Sunny Mountain Boys Jimmy recorded many wonderful sides such as “Sunny Side of the Mountain”, “Hit Parade of Love”, “2/2 Vision”, and “Freeborn Man.” In the 1950s and 60s Jimmy’s recordings frequently made the country music charts in Billboard, Cash Box and Record World magazines.
Upon leaving Detroit, Jimmy went to Shreveport, Louisiana as a headline attraction on the highly rated Louisiana Hayride for 3 years. Other artists who were members of the Hayride include Johnny Horton, Hank Williams and even Elvis Presley. Jimmy Martin was one of the biggest draws and the highest paid entertainer as a regular member of the Louisiana Hayride and again at the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree which he joined in 1960. He moved to Nashville in 1963 and made numerous guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. His home was in Hermitage, Tennessee not far from the historic home of President Andrew Jackson.
During his last years Jimmy was semi-retired only performing from April through October. When he was at home Jimmy enjoyed taking care of his farm and watching boxing matches on television. He remembered listening to the great Joe Louis on the battery radio back in the hills of Sneedville as a young boy.
Jimmy Martin died May 14 2005.
[Adapted from Jimmy Martin’s official biography].
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
