King Of Bluegrass Dies

Jimmy Martin, a pioneering bluegrass singer and guitarist who performed with the Blue Grass Boys and many others, died of bladder cancer May 14th at a Nashville hospice.

Martin, 77, was lead vocalist for BGB through 1955 until he left to form the Sunny Mountain Boys, which recorded for Decca for 18 years.

Martin collaborated with many artists throughout his career, including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and made guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, “Louisiana Hayride” and “WWVA Wheeling Jamboree.”

He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Honor in 1995, and his life was documented in the 2003 film “King of Bluegrass: The Life and Times of Jimmy Martin.”