Biography

Fiddle player. Born May 8, 1928. Died March 13, 2001. Full name: Benjamin Edward Martin. A blues-influenced fiddler who backed Bill Monroe, Roy Acuff, Flatt & Scruggs, Kitty Wells-Johnnie & Jack troupe, and others during the late 1940s-early 1950s. Successful solo performer. Recorded for the MGM, RCA, Decca, Starday, and Monument record labels.

Interview Summary

1977 July 12
(1 hour)
Fiddler Benny Martin talks about his fiddle playing and his career. Discussion includes his struggle to achieve superstardom; fiddle playing as part of his life; his musical influences among the old-time fiddlers; his invention of the eight-string fiddle; his career decision to leave the Grand Ole Opry in the early 1960s; the popularity of rock & roll and its impact on his career; and the fiddle’s comeback in country music.