memories

Fans Remember Jimmy Martin...

Jimmy had an amazing impact on the genre of bluegrass music and an amazing impact on bluegrass fans. Jimmy Martin fans are one of the most loyal groups of people that you will ever find.

My biggest regret is that I did not get to see Jimmy Martin play live at one of the bluegrass festivals. I had made myself a promise that I would see him in 2005 regardless of how far I would have to travel in able to see him but the time wasn't long enough for me or Jimmy Martin. I love all his songs. He is a Icon and always will be.

-Janet Horton

One of my earliest memories of Jimmy was at Frontier Ranch, east of Columbus, Ohio. During his performance, he invited Lisa onstage to sing "Beautiful Brown Eyes".

Jimmy was and always will be the King of Bluegrass. It is a real shame that he was never inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. I sincerely hope that he is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Jimmy's passing is a great loss not only to bluegrass, but also American music as a whole...but is Heaven's gain. He was one of a kind, and will be sorely missed.

-Jennifer Clark

I have tryed to keep up with Jimmy,s going & comeing. I will miss him, more then words can tell. I have the life & times of him. & will always think of him often. I will visit the grave as soon as I can. I just wish we could have made it to Bean Blossom for our birthday dinner date. Our birthdays are the same day. Only I was born in 1930.

-A.C. Dunn

I am a late comer on Jimmy Martin. My brother gave me a cd "Jimmy Martin's 20 greatest hits" and right off I found the sound that rings true of bluegrass. Lord, I sure am sorry I didn't see him here, but I sure am gonna look him up, in the sweet bye and bye.

-Charles Carbaugh

I have always loved to hear jimmy martin music, and now i have a 3yr old grandson who just loves him too. I certainly cannot see anybody filling his shoes.

-Suzanne Davis

I grew up in a "Jimmy Martin" house. My dad was a huge fan of Jimmy's. I can remember going to sleep each night listening to Jimmy's records. We listened to him morning, noon and night and I knew almost nothing else until I reached high-school age. Jimmy has been a great influence in my life.

-Cindie Weldon

Jimmy was the King, always will be.

-Gerry Edgley

Jimmy sure will be missed...heard him all my life and love him…

-Carol Hall

well what can i say about jimmy that hasn’t already been said many many times before. well he is one of a kind the way he played that ole six string and his voice is like no other. that's what sets him apart from other bluegrassmusicians he was the real deal. and he stayed the same way he always was. Long live the king of bluegrass jimmy martin.

-Kelly Sherman

The first Jimmy Martin LP I owned had the great picture of Jimmy young and vibrant on the front with the words "Widow Maker" painted on the bumper of the truck with the LP having the same name. I still own this record (it's just about wore out" and put it on for old times sake. My youngest daughter who attends college in R.I. took a lot of my Jimmy Martin CD's to school with her, at 20 years old she is also a Great fan of Jimmy's. In the early 70's when Country Rock bands were trying to get started where would groups like "The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band" be if not for Greats like Jimmy who helped them to make some of the greatest albums in the history of Country Music, like Jimmy singing "The Grand Ole Opry Song" and several others on Albums like "Will THe Circle be Unbroken" (I bought the trilogy set with Vol.1,2&3. Jimmy is Outstanding on these CDs). How many people know that Jimmy co-wrote "Uncle Pen" with Bill Monroe or that he was the driving force behind the Osborn Brothers getting started. Yes to say Jimmy Martin was the King of Bluegrass is a true understatement. Jimmy Martin was the cornerstone the Bluegrass was built on. Like Elvis after his death there will never be another, sad to say but very true. This Great Man will sorely be missed by millions of fan, as a real admirer I will be at the top of that group. God comfort his dear children for their great loss.

-Joe Kopeck

Jimmy Martin was a wonder bluegrass artist.

-Anne Sweeney

My first memory of Jimmy Martin was through my Dad. Jimmy came to a festival at Belfast, VA and he and Dad were hunting buddies. So, Dad opened our home to him and his band. I have a picture of Lisa, my older sister and me together at that festival. My heart just breaks because of his passing but I know he'll suffer no more.

-Crystal

Dear George,

A couple of my memories of dad from when we lived in shreveport and he was on the Hayride. We spent a lot of time together back then, he would babysit me while my mom worked. He would rehearse the band every day, then he would work on promo tapes for the radio stations. While he was doing that I would sit beside him and watch baseball. Since he would have to record the promo's he would keep the sound off on the t.v. Well he new I loved baseball and that it irritated me to not be able to hear it. So he would make deals with me. Since he had the guitar out to make the promos, in between he would play notes for me to sing to, scales and that sort of thing. If I sang the notes right he would let me hear the game and sometimes he would go out and play catch if I sang really good. On other day's we would get in the car and go and see Tillman Frank's,(his manager) or Elvis and sometimes we'd go over to Johnny Horton's house. Him and Johnny were good friend's. Johnny had this house that had a pond or private lake and it seemed like that every time we'd go there, Johnny would be sitting out on the bank's talking to his ducks (Johnny was into reincarnation). Any way Dad would get such a kick out of seeing Johnny talking to his duck's. He'd tell everybody he saw for day's afterward.

_______________________

Another memory that I have of Shreveport was that Dad would take me fishing down on Lake Ponchatrain. We'd drive down to a marina and he'd rent one of those little 16 ft boat's, the kind with a 25 horse Johnson motor and we'd take off into the bayou, just me and Dad, the gators, and the water moccasins. We always caught a boatload of crappy and blue gill. Well, one particular trip I will never forget. We took Mom along. She was in the front of the boat, I was in the middle and Dad was driving. Well mom was scared to death of any kind of snake and Dad knew it .I don't know if you've ever been in the Louisiana bayou but water moccasins lay in the tree's on the limb's late in the afternoon, over the water. Dad decided that we had to go up under this tree that had some snakes in it so we could get the fish that he knew was there, (don't forget Mom's deathly afraid of snakes) and she is on the front of the boat going up under the snakes, I mean they are up in the tree 20-30 foot but believe me she didn't see it that way. Anyway, we got close enough to the tree for her to take her paddle and shove off of the tree which sent the boat (Dads end) back up under another tree and right into a hornet's nest and right on top of Dad's head and they tore him up. Now I'm in the middle of the boat with water moccasin's on one side, hornet's on the other side and Dad getting the living heck stung out him in the middle of a swamp, needless to say it was a while before went fishing with us.

Happy Father’s Day Dad. I Love You and I miss You.

Your son and the original Sunny Mountain Boy,

-Jimmy Martin, Jr.

I just heard today of the passing of Jimmy Martin. My recollection of Jimmy is from the Bluegrass Festival at Bean Blossom in about 2002. My interest in Bluegrass goes back about 16 years. Now my kids play Bluegrass music, my son is in a Bluegrass Gospel band and my daughter helps out occasionally. At the 2002 Festival I was filming the Jimmy Martin performance on my camcorder when Jimmy noticed what I was doing and made a point to single me out and said, "there is a colored man out there filming me".. he proceeded to wave with a big grin and said "welcome brother, if I had a lot more of your people coming to see me I would be a lot more richer than I am now" I have it on tape to prove it. At the festival we bought the Jimmy Martin story and got to shake his hand and had fried rabbit and deer meat. The kids didn't want to try the rabbit. Jimmy will be missed by ALL of his fans.

-John Thompson

We have lost a legend--what a voice.

-Billy Beavers

In 1965 my brother Bill and I spent an entire year trying to 'get it' - the Jimmy Martin feel for Hold Whatcha got and for You Don't Know My Mind... and Guitar Pickin' President..etc.. We never really got there, for like all Elvis imitators sound like each other and not Elvis, we were missing the one thing all those who try to make music like Jimmy did were missing, the secret ingredient: Jimmy Martin.

Although we did our imitation Jimmy as a duo in clubs in the mid-'60's around Orange County (in the months preceding the forming of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band); his music was so powerful that even our comparatively limp versions won crowds over whenever we played it.

Good and Country.. if you wanted to know what good country was, listen to that album. It was what led Linda Ronstadt to say around 1971 "Jimmy Martin is my favorite singer!" It was his sound that lead off and powered the Circle album. It was he that made 'bluegrass' come alive in a way that I missed most any time I saw west coast bluegrassers head in to another often limp by comparison interpretation of 'how it should be'. Maybe that's how it was for them, with their earnest but not quite 'there' homage paid to him, but the real Jimmy was the real music. Just listen to the records. Don't bother comparing, because you really can't.

In my 42 years as a performer (many of them with my American dream - The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) I will cherish every moment I had to pick with Jimmy as some of the highest. I will be forever grateful that Louise and Earl convinced him to join us on the Circle album, a question I was too timid to ask of him. Although I felt right asking Earl and Doc and Junior.... Jimmy was ... well... he was Jimmy Martin!

Thru my years I have been fortunate to earn some 'honors', prizes, nods .. (CMA, Emmy, Grammy, Western Heritage Award, and a few others) which I do not bring up here to be 'sounding off' or to steal a spotlight. That spotlight stealing could not be done with Jimmy on stage or in a sentence. I say it because out of all those things, I do cherish and am most proud of the fact that there was a time where Mr. Jimmy Martin turned to me and said "Kick it off, John!" and after we were done, he would say "Allright! Not like Earl done it, but allright! That banjer sounds good, don't it?" and look you straight in the eye, grinning ear to ear from about a foot away.

Thanks, Jimmy, for letting me fulfill a major part of my dream as a young man, trying to figure out how to get out of Orange County and pick the way it should be..! Your music continues to inspire.

-John McEuen, 2005

I rediscovered Jimmy when my mother-in-law bought King of Blugrass for me. My father listened to all bluegrass music, especially Jimmy and Bill Monroe. What a joy to know that talented people can be down to earth like Jimmy was. He will be greatly missed by my family, we all love to watch the DVD. Rest in Peace.

-Steve Sandifur

I loved Jimmy Martin! I appreciated his music. He was a dynamic performer. Last time I saw him was at Brown County Ohio about two or three years ago. I loved to hear the interviews when he visited Moon Mullins here in Ohio.

-Bob Lewis

Jimmy was one of my favorites and greatest along with Bill Monroe. I wore out an eight track when such things were popular.

-Jimmie Williams

I know I will always miss jimmy Martin HE was my email friend for several years. he would always say i'll always love you and never forget you, keep in touch.I'll see you some where down the road! I have every thing Jimmy have ever put out in songs and videos. I went to two of his concerts in VA when he sang a song it had a meaning for some one he always sang from his heart i have seen him singing a sad song and his voice was trimbling, even had tears in his eyes.hes is the best and worked herd to make it to king of bluegrass he is and always be king of bluegrass. i have a picture of me and Jimmy taken in VA.

I know you are in heaven playing with all your friend.i'll never forget you and always love you Jimmy and his music that i'll always treasure.

A loving fan and friend,

-Pauline Herring

I ALWAYS LIKED ANY THING JIMMY MARTIN.

-Tom Winegar

Jimmy has been my musical hero since I first him and his band back when Crowe and Williams were with him. I've acquired every recording available. Never will we see or here another like him. All Bluegrass musicians should be thankful to him for learning his timing and vocal techniques. There's never been another showman like him. I saw him 2 years ago in Myrtle Beach, he sounded good as ever. It's a shame the Opry never recognized him. I will always miss him, but I have his music for memories. My deepest sympathy to the Martin Family.

-Jim Leonard

Jimmy was the best and there will be no others like him. We had a lot in common like coon-hunting and crossbreeding coonhounds. Jimmy rest in peace in your mansion in the sky.

-Stanley Nelson

Sorry to hear he's gone. I think he was the best, and was underrated.

-Lee Eshelman

Saw Jimmy perform back in the Boston, MA area in the early 60's. A great show I'll never forget.

-Raymond Cook

We regret his passing........will miss him at Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival this Sept.

-Gary Hyde

I love the 1940's 1950's bluegrass. Jimmy Martin is one my favorites. I’m going to miss him a lot. I have most of his early recordings and one video. Thanks.

-Charlie Batho

ANOTHER GREAT ONE PASSED ON.

-James Ellison

I have always loved Mr. Martin’s music & his style. I am saddened to hear of his leaving us but his was a tremendous blessing while here with us. But he left us with an immortal legacy.

-Ralph Richards

AFTER READING THE NEWS OF JIMMY MARTIN, MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. HE WAS A GREAT PIONEER OF THE MUSIC THAT WE CALL BLUEGRASS. AS A BLUEGRASS MUSICIAN MYSELF HE WAS 1 OF THE FIRST GUITAR PLAYERS THAT MY DAD WOULD MAKE ME LISTEN TO. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM. HE WAS 1 OF A KIND IN EVERY THING HE DID. MAY HE BE IN HEAVEN WITH BILL SINGING. WILL MISS YOU JIMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-CHAD BOGGESS

The world has lost one of the all-time greats. It is a poorer place.

-Carol LaCamp

Just want to express my sympathy to the family and friends of Jimmy Martin. He was a giant and he left us enough music for a few lifetimes.

-Robert Monk

My fondest memories of uncle Jimmy are of his passion for bluegrass that he projected during his shows. He was a performer. When he did his little wiggle to emphasize a part of his song while pointing the neck of his guitar as though it were his dancing partner ALWAYS made me feel like I was feeling that passion for bluegrass too. I never really like bluegrass music, until I would go to one of uncle Jimmy's shows. He was having too much fun singing it not to enjoy it! He has given a lot of great music to his fans, which include his family. He was a mentor to many that he never met and loved more than he ever realized. I just wish he could have been appreciated by his peers more and been given the recognition he so deserved. He made his mark and that can never be taken away from him. Our family will miss him dearly. He will always and forever be The King of Bluegrass.

-Janey Crabtree

Jimmy truly was The King of Bluegrass.

-Marvin Howell

I LOVED THIS MAN’S MUSIC. I WENT TO SEE HIM EVERY CHANCE I GOT, STARTING AT AGE 10 WITH MY PARENTS. I AM NOW 48. I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY.

-Gail Crabbe

My dad picked with jimmy back in the 50s, they drove around in a black Packard. He was heartbroken to hear the news of jimmy’s passing. I’m a long time fan of his music and will miss him too, thank you Mr. Martin.

-Roy Lock

Jimmy Martin was one of my childhood heroes. I'm 44 today and I met him and Mary Ann several times at Bluegrass Festivals here in Ohio. His shows were always THE BEST. He also signed my Martin D-28 guitar and posed for a picture with me. Jimmy was so kind and gracious... a REAL ENTERTAINER. Rest in peace, you and your family are in our prayers.

-Fred Niehaus Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

The world is a lesser place without Jimmy Martin. He lived his life the way he performed his music - with painful honesty delivered with force and no apologies. Upon learning of his passing, I listened to the entire Bear Family box set of all his Decca work. Needless to say, it was a roller coaster ride of emotion. Then, listened to the recordings he made with Monroe - arguably the greatest quartet in Bluegrass history. There is something special there that can't ever be duplicated.

I had the privilege of visiting him at his home a few years back with a friend who played for him. After learning I was a banjo player, he admonished me to, "Put a learnin' on 'em." I think about that every time I put the picks to it.

His music is a lesson on how to do it right. I am thankful to have heard him, to have met him, and to have been in his firing line. Thank you, Jimmy, for showin' us how.

-Kevin Bowen

To me Jimmy was and still is the best in bluegrass, will surely miss him.

-Paul Myers

I saw Jimmy Martin in River Valley ON Canada. His performance was all that I expected and more and I really enjoyed his show. (I could not believe that he was coming to a place where I could get to and I was determined to go see his show!) My husband, brother, sister and mother-in-law got to take our pictures with him; we got his autograph and we all thought he was a fine man and one of the greatest performers that we ever saw. I have been a fan of his for a long, long time and was really happy to see him in person. I was sad to hear of his passing and my sincere condolences go out to his family at this very sad time.

-Joan St-Denis, Canada

Many fond memories of Jimmy from times at IBMA in KY.

-David Sherbrook

I've been a fan of Jimmy Martin's since he started with Bill Monroe many many years ago. I always enjoyed being around him at his shows and festivals because he would always talk to his fans and would not brush his fans off. I would always ask him to sing "sophronie" for me and he never failed to sing it for me. I have never heard him sing anything bad. I think Jimmy Martin was the best that bluegrass will ever have. I would like for the Sunny Mountain Boys to try and continue to play his music maybe in the future. Jimmy will be missed because he cannot be replaced. My prayers are for God to lift the family up in these days as they mourn the loss of Jimmy.

-Jimmy {N.C.}

I am a 28 years old and love Bluegrass due to being raised with my Daddy playing the banjo. I was able to see Mr. Martin several years ago at a singing in WV and was amazed at the talent he had. Needless to say he put on a great show and you couldn’t tell it was a 60 something man on stage. I enjoyed watching his band almost as much as I love watching my own Daddy’s band. I guess it is because he was one of the few Original Bluegrass Players that still played "Real Bluegrass" and played it like he was as young as me or you. May the 14th was a sad day for Bluegrass Music and me.

-Jeremy Worley

JIMMY SAID WHAT HE WAS THINKING. I LIKE THAT IN A MAN. THE MARTIN FAMILY HAD A FUNERAL THAT "DAD" WOULD BE PROUD OF. THANKS A LOT FROM ONE BLUEGRASS MAN TO ANOTHER.

-Gordon Poteet

Jimmy Marten what a great asset he was to bluegrass music. I could listen to him all day long. He surely rates among the best and don't have to take a back seat to none. We loved you jimmy.

-Floyd Cornelius

Jimmy was one of my favorite bluegrass musicians, sorry he has passed, there will be a void in the industry...

-Tom L. Lilly

Jimmy Martin will always be the king of bluegrass.

Rich Gerlock

I always enjoyed Bluegrass music when I was younger, didn't know much about it growing up with Rock n" Roll. Many years ago while meeting my favorite hunting buddy I was introduced to Jimmy Martin's music and I was hooked forever. Today I

listen to about 90 present Bluegrass and 10 percent Country. My hunting buddy Merrill pass away last year at 73, so I guess now he will be in Jimmy's company. God Bless Jimmy Martin and Thank You for the music you brought into my life.

Rod

We were lucky enough to see Mr. Jimmy perform & we got to meet him and take pictures with him at his book signing at The Country Music Hall of Fame. We knew he was in Nashville signing his book but wasn't sure where he was. When we found

him there I walked in the door & hollered Mr. Jimmy I've been looking all over Nashville for you, he said, well here I am, come on in. We was so nice to us, he signed his book & CD`s for us & then we got to make pictures with him, we talked nonstop with him. He made us feel so comfortable just being with him. That was a very special moment for us. We have never meet another entertainer so nice. He was one of a kind & we are proud to call him our friend. He will be missed.

-Les & Dianne Smith

My life has always been influenced by bluegrass music, and Jimmy Martin was the "King" of that influence. As a youngster growin' up many were the songs of Jimmy's I heard in my home. Childhood memories are what guides you, and brings you back to those fond days. I met Jimmy once at a Brown County Ohio Bluegrass Festival in Georgetown. I waited in line to get him to sign his CD. I was at the very back and it was getting late. When I met him I told him it was a pleasure to meet him. He said "thank you" I then asked him if I could have that special RED cowboy hat he had one. He smiles, and winked and said, "Nope." Then we both laughed and I said, "Ok I'll just take your autograph on this CD then".

I'll never forget that encounter with one of my bluegrass heroes. I later recounted the story on my radio show, and a fan who's daughter had just passed away from cancer, gave me a RED cowboy hat, that had belonged to her

daughter. Now when I wear it, I think of that young woman and Jimmy Martin.

-DJ Gracie Muldoon

I've been to many blue grass festivals here in Ohio, and saw Jimmy . Even sang on stage years ago with him.

-Norma Cobb

I was attracted to Jimmy's music after listening for about 5 seconds. His drive, melody, harmony, and good 'n country sound are like none other. I saw Jimmy at Turkey Track BG Festival in June of 2004. I think it was the first show he had done since he finished his chemotherapy. He was so weak, and we weren't sure if he was going to come on or not. But, by golly, he mustered up, and was not going to disappoint his fans. He put on a heck of a show, and then had to lay down almost immediately.

I have read all the stories of Jimmy and about his rough edges. But, he dearly loved his fans, and his music. And he gave it all he had. My respect for Jimmy shot up tremendously, when I saw him at Turkey Track. I had always thought a lot of him, but now so much more. I bet that heaven is bouncing tonight with the sound of his driving guitar, and the cry in his voice. Show 'em what you got, Jimmy. And thank you for what you gave us.

Dan White, Bentonville, AR

I only got to see Jimmy twice but the last time was at bean blossom last June and I will never forget the drama of whether or not he would be there, or if he was there would he play, and if he played what kind of show would he be able to do, and the crowd was in a frenzy almost and everyone was down at the stage, there was James King and James Monroe and so many other artist standing around

Wondering if he could do it one more time, I was standing right up against the side of the stage and could hear him tell that it hurt to stand up but he put on such a show and I will never forget those guitar runs and the smiles on folks faces. It was the only reason we drove from Florida to Indiana and I am so glad we did.

Scotty Burch

I have wonderful memories of hearing Jimmie on the radio. It was so good to hear a traditional bluegrass performer who really had the talent and desire to entertain the rest of us. God bless him! He will be sorely missed.

William Amonett

HAD SEEN JIMMY MARTIN MANY TIMES AT BLUEGRASS FESTIVALS IN MICHIGAN. HE WOULD ASK FOR REQUESTS THEN LAUGH AND SAY HE WAS GOING TO DO WHAT HE WANTED ANY WAY. AUDIE B. WAS PLAYING WITH HIM AT THE TIME. HE PLAYS WITH RHONDA VINCIENT NOW.

JIMMY MARTIN WAS A GREAT MAN AND SINGER. I MET HIM ONE TIME, MORGANTON, NC FESTIVAL. JUST PURCHASED HIS TWO GOSPEL CDs FROM HIS 1960s LPs. HOPE TO HAVE CF MARTIN & CO., INC. NAZARTH, PA TO BUILD A MARTIN GUITAR LIKE JIMMY'S.

Donald L. McCourry

I saw him in river valley Ontario Canada at a bluegrass festival.

Helen Rivest

Me and my entire family are deeply saddened by the passing of THE KING Jimmy Martin. But we know he is in a better place. As for me and my family, we send our condolences to Jimmy's family! There will never be another person that had such spirit and emotion that Jimmy displayed throughout his successful life! We will always love you Jimmy and we will never forget you!!!!

Preston Perry III

I love jimmy's music he is one of my favorites.

love, Virginia Allen

I am 13 years old from Alabama and I love Jimmy Martin and his music. I am very saddened to see him go. I pray for him every night. God bless you Jimmy.

Chris Cosby

THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM I WAS 9 HE GAVE ME A PICTURE OF HIM AN SINGED IT FOR ME AND I STILL HAVE IT. HE WAS THE GREATEST. I AM GONNA MISS HIM.

ETHAN OWEN

Saw Jimmy Martin many times on the Louisiana Hayride in probably the late 1940s or early 1950s. I lived in Shreveport, La. during that time. My favorite song by him is "Milwaukee Here I come."

Thanks Don

I was just talking with my sister today about how much I loved Jimmy's music. I'm so sorry we have to lose him. But he'll be playing his glorious music in heaven. I believe that Jimmy Martin was the best lead singer that I have ever heard in Country/Bluegrass music.

He truly was the KING of BLUEGRASS. The sad thing, the Opry did NOT allow him to be a part of it. Maybe he was just as well off not being accepted. I think he was the best lead singer Bill Monroe ever had. Surely, Bluegrass music has lost a great friend. I met Mr. Martin in Detroit, Michigan in the 50's while he and the Osborne Bro's were up there. I have talked to him about 2 times in the past 3 years. He was very disappointed in not being accepted on the Opry. He has passed on, but his music will live on when most of us have passed on as well. He was truly a legend. Thanks for the memory.

Donald H. McDonald

I'M SADDENED AT THE NEWS OF JIMMY'S CONDITION. MY FATHER LOST HIS BATTLE WITH LUNG,LIVER,& BRAIN CANCER THIS PAST DECEMBER.THE ONLY ONE I KNOW THAT LOVES BLUEGRASS MORE THAN HIM IS THE KING JIMMY. LOT'S OF LOVE AND MANY PRAYERS FOR

YOU JIMMY!

-Terry Butterworth

I love his music and him. He is the best.

Greg Cole

Jimmy Martin is truly king of bluegrass God bless you Jimmy.

-Shirley Vickers

Dear Mr. Martin, I am from Europe, Czech republic, and I want to tell you that I have a lot of your records, you have been my hero since I had heard your music for the first time. You are definitely on my Bluegrass All Star Team. I keep my fingers crossed for you - I am sure that you will fight with the odds with the same strength and power that I always admired in your music.

God Bless, Martin Mikulas

I hope n pray that God will help Jimmy to pull thru his ordeal. James Genge

Get well soon! Loved the film, it was so Martin. Hope to see you performing again real soon!!! Love and prayers to you.

Get well Jimmy.

My son Dave Miller played bass for Jimmy in the 80`s.

Bob Miller

I am so glad you are still in there fighting. I know the doctors said 2-4 weeks, but they forgot about how much fight is in you. I remember how you used to tell me how a coon could take several fatal shots, climb down a tree, fight with the dogs, and then climb back up the tree before he ever gave up. It looks like you have learned pretty well from them. I was reading some of the other fan mail. You are so fortunate to have such good fans. Who could ever want more from life. God bless you Uncle. -Keith Martin

Dear Jimmy I've been a fan of yours ever since I heard you on WWVA in the late 50's or early 60"s (afraid I'm a little fuzzy on the details). I always stayed up until you and the Sunny Mtn. Boys came. You were the first bluegrass group I ever saw in person--Woodstown, NJ, spring of 1961. Your recording of "What Would You Give" is my favorite. You are in our prayers. -Roger and Wanda Fuester

I have been a fan of Jimmy for many years. Jimmy is truly the king of bluegrass. I pray that Jimmy has complete recovery and can soon be performing again for all the fans who love him so much. -Rich Gerlock

Hey Jimmy, I am Roger Allen from WKEA FM in Scottsboro Alabama. I called you on April 6 and enjoyed the chance to just hear your voice. You are a legend in not only bluegrass music but country music as well. Even though you didn't say much I was still honored just to get a chance to talk to the King. Keep up the fight and the fans and radio DJ's around the world will always keep you in our prayers. When you need help just reach out and somebody will be there. And always remember that God will do the right thing. -Roger Allen

Keep on fighting Jimmy. -James Saxman

GOD BLESS YOU JIMMY MARTIN. I LOVE YOU. YOU’RE THE BEST IN BLUEGRASS. -John Rorrer

We have every tape and film that Jimmy has made. Very sorry to hear about him being in ill health. Good luck to Jimmy -Ben Brady

I LOVE JIMMY MARTINS MUSIC AND AGREE HE IS THE KING OF BLUEGRASS, I WISH THE BEST FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY. -RON AND MARY

the film is great....just like king of bluegrass is -tom "cat" reeder

Jimmy you have inspired me through your songs. Sure would like to have you hunting with me and my dogs. -Seth Eubanks

Jimmy Martin, You are one of the greats of Bluegrass music. You put the " Fire" in Bluegrass music thru your performances & great recordings. Keep up the fight. We are with you in prayers. -Al Hawkes

I hope get back on your feet fast. I have been a fan of your great music for some time now. You are very important to the world of music and to America. God Bless you Sir. -Chip Roach

I want to send a Big Hello from Columbus, Ohio to Jimmy and Family. I was sorry to here you were sick Jimmy...Friend you are the real deal. Proud of your heritage...what a concept in the day of the pretenders! It is a true entertainer who is just as much fun at the table as he is on stage. You have always had a free childlike quality that I am striveing for as I get into my 40's. The memory of your unrestrained smile under a tipped hat makes me smile every time I think of it. In hard times call on the sweet name of Jesus and lean on those he has blessed you with! -Katie Blessing

Jimmy is the only king of bluegrass. The grand ole opry can never take that from him. It’s a shame the way the opry did hi (their loss).
Get well Jimmy.
Butch Petrea

I HOPE YOU GET BETTER REAL SOON. THERE IS NO ONE THAT CAN DO BLUEGRASS LIKE JIMMY MARTIN.I LOVE THAT SOUND YOU HAVE ON YOUR MARTIN. NO ONE PLAYES IT LIKE YOU DO.
I JUST HOPE THEY REALIZE WHAT A MISTAKE THEY MADE BY
NOT MAKING YOU A MENBER OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY. I
MEAN THAT YOUR THE KING OF BLUEGRASS. I THINK THE
THE GREATEST TO EVER PLAY BLUEGRASS. SO OUR PRAYERS ARE
WITH YOU.
BOBBY OWEN

Dear Jimmy! I’m still praying for you and your family i'm so glad i get to wish you and family a blessed happy Easter! we are so blessed becaus Jesus lives! he's alive,he's aliveThank God he gave his only begotten son for our sins.but praise God Jesus is alive! hope you are feeling better. spring is here its a blessing to see every thing come to life. we have to get you better with the help of Gods unchanging hand i hope to hear good news soon im still praying for you all. Your email fan friend,
Pauline!

Mr. Martin,
Your bluegrass singing and music has been a driving force behind my own bluegrass music. My Prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Bunch

I just wanted to send a get well prayer to Jimmy. I guess I still believe in miracles. As a picker, I owe a great debt of gratitude and respect to Jimmy Martin for him being such a part in blazing a trail in this music I love so well. Jimmy, I know how much you love your fans. You sing with a big heart. We can all learn a lesson or two from you. I hope your day today is a peaceful one and that you get a chance to play your guitar. I sure wish I could be there to play banjo or mandolin for you!
Tom

I have been a big fan of Jimmy for years and I love this film.
Braeden Paul

Dear Jimmy This ia your email bluegrass girl.i'm still praying for you and family.im praying GOD to give you his unchanging hand to hold on too.with out GOD. we are as lost as a ball in high weeds.im praying that God will help and
guide our greatest Bluegrass king.if heaven's not my home oh LORD where would our soul be GOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY love to all,
Bluegrass girl Pauline Herring

I Love Bluegrass Music. That Is Why I Love Jimmy Martin
Lester Bowden

I love you jimmy I’m your BIGGEST Fan.
Kayla, 13 yrs. old

Hi Jimmy. Hope this finds you feeling better. We will always be the best of friends and the memories of our travels together will never be forgotten. You are truly King of Bluegrass in my mind. All of my family are praying for you and your entire family and wish you a speedy recovery. Your friends always,
--Harry & Louise Rhodes and the entire Rhodes family

My Dad, Earl Jones is from North Carolina and he and my brother, Rich, have played bluegrass all their lives. My dad has met Jimmy many times and I am requesting to be put on the email list so that I may receive updates to pass
along and keep my Dad informed of Jimmy's health. Our prayers are with Jimmy and his family. Please let him know how much joy and enjoyment he has brought to the lives of so many people. May God bless him and his family.
-Vickie Raines

Please tell Jimmy that we are praying for him and we hope he gets to felling better real soon! Cause we got a lot of rabbits and coons up here for him to get after!!

-Bryan Bradley

Jimmy,
Please get well soon! I love your playing especially those great guitar runs and signature endings. No one does it better. I am in a bluegrass band in Columbus, Ohio, and we love doing Jimmy Martin songs. The crowd loves them too. We have a gig this Friday, and will be carrying on the Jimmy Martin tradition with several numbers in your honor. Take care and God bless.
-John Alge

Jimmy, thanks for showing us how to "say what you mean and say what you think". What was once our characteristic has been trained away. There were once many like you, but now there are too few. You will be the inspiration to future, honest, plain-talking Americans (and the many millions who want to be like Americans).
-Rob Brandon

Jimmy has done so much for bluegrass and is loved by many fans. I met Mary Ann at a festival in Georgetown OH a few yrs. ago and thought she too was a wonderful person.
-Sue Allen

Jimmy, We love you from Alaska!! Your music will live on forever!
-Matt Johnson

We love you in Montana Jimmy!!!!
Montana Don

May god be with you.
Roger Stone

My heart and prayers go out to Jimmy and family. Pray he will get better he’s a
strong man and we need him around a long time. I love Jimmy and his music, please
God help him get well. I want to see him again.

Love and prayers to all,
Pauline Herring

I met Jimmy in Dec.1949 when he-Gorden Terry-Joel Price-Rudy Lyles were the
Monroe band & he was awesome & no one is his equal in this field. Get well jimmy. Same old fiddler,
Dallas Burell

Been a fan since he was a head liner at WWVA.
John Shearer

Jimmy thanks for the music. You and John Duffey and Charlie Waller are the
reason I am into bluegrass music. Your music has meant a lot to me through the
years. You and your family are in my prayers, Sorry to hear of your illness, but
If any one is a fighter I know it is you. Best Wishes for you,
Gary Joseph

Just wanted to send our prayers and thoughts to jimmy and his family, one of the greatest singers and pickers in a lifetime.

Charles and Gail Thompson
Maryland

All my thoughts and prayers to my favourite bluegrass vocalist and player.

Nuno Ferreira
Portugal

Just wanted to say jimmy martin is the best. . I’m praying for him and his family. Get well soon jimmy, I’m a fan from WV.

Shirley Vickers
West Virginia

Love Jimmy's work. So sad to hear he is so ill. We had a pick last night, and
did "Drink Up and Go Home", "Tennessee" and a few other iconic Jimmy songs in
his honour. Best wishes,

John Taylor
Australia

Dear Jimmy,

You are a great example of how to live life to the fullest and at the same time, even though you are the KING! you always tip your hat to our King in heaven, keeping God in your life each and every day. Your gospel recordings have been nothing short of a blessing to my family. I loved Bluegrass before it was cool to love Bluegrass, and you are simply and absolutely the best.

Thank you for your great music, it's a pleasure to hear you sing and pick, regardless of the song, there is value in every one of them, it would be hard to pick my favorite, there are so many favorites. It's taken me 25 years to say Thanks.

I have had the honor to have seen you a few times and shake your hand, you area good man. I treasure having met you and seen you play in person. We don't get much good music up this way, it is a joy and honor to be in the audience listening to the KING!

May God continue to bless you and keep you in his loving hands.

Gordon Hughes
Fan in Missouri

Hi Jimmy,

I was one of the original members of your fan club back in the 1950's and I've been a fan ever since. I met you and saw you play at the old Country Music Hall in New Boston, Ohio back in the 50's. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this tough time. We both go back quite a ways and I'm wishing you well.

Sincerely,

Gene Locey

My thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy and his family daily. I have never loved a bluegrass artist and had more respect for any of them more than I have Jimmy. I have a weekly radio show on WMMT 88.7 Whitesburg, Kentucky and if it wasn't
for Jimmy and The Stanley Brothers I would have never got into radio and love bluegrass as much as I do. I love you Jimmy and thank you for your wonderful works and friendship to the bluegrass world. God bless you.

Angie Hall

Jimmy,

I’ll pray for you because you are my hero. I’ll play the jimmy martin run for you.

Thanks,

John (your friend forever)

I have always been a fan of Jimmy and wish him the best.

Scott Trent

Dear George,

Thanks for the update. I will pass along the message to my friends. We will all keep Jimmy and Family in our thoughts and prayers. As I write this message to you I keep thinking of a song that Jimmy sings Hold to Gods Unchanging Hand!!

Randy Bailey

Please tell Jimmy he sings in time and his music is perfect. His Instrumental album “Big and Country” is the best instrumental record every made. His runs on the guitar always fit the singing. Hope Jimmy is getting better.

Bennie Hall

George Goehl
Director, King of Bluegrass