Known for his flamboyant dress, crazed hunting trips, and brash behavior, Jimmy Martin is the rebel figure of bluegrass music. King of Bluegrass interweaves Martin’s lifelong quest to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry with recently shot footage that captures the essence of the man and his music.

The film crew followed Martin on tour for two years, capturing unique moments backstage, onstage, and on the road – giving the viewer an inside look at one of bluegrass music’s most enigmatic and influential forefathers.

King of Bluegrass includes vintage photos, unreleased live recordings, and rare historical footage. The 20-song soundtrack traces Martin’s career from his early days with bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe to recently recorded electrifying performances with his Sunny Mountain Boys.

Includes interviews with Ralph Stanley, Marty Stuart, Tom T. Hall, Bill Emerson, JD Crowe, Paul Williams, and more.

King of Bluegrass is an ‘Official Selection’ of the following Film Festivals:

• 34th Annual Nashville Film Festival
• Maryland Film Festival
• Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival (Winner of Special Jury Award)
• Sound Unseen Film Festival
• 15th Annual New Orleans Film Festival
• 18th Annual Fort Lauderdale Film Festival
• Indie Memphis Film Festival
• CMJ Film Fest
• Asheville Film Festival

Reviews

“ Electrifying!”
-Peter Cooper, Nashville Tennessean

“ Unpredictable, arrogant, irascible, sentimental and musically brilliant, Martin is one of the most unique characters in the history of American music.”
-Bobby Reed, Chicago Sun-Times

“ Touching, telling stuff!”
-Barry Mazor, No Depression

“ Definitive! Expertly chronicles the 53-year career in bluegrass music of the genre’s most colorful and eccentric personality.”
-Bluegrass Unlimited

“ He’s a loose cannon, prone to intense displays of emotion and electrifying musical spontaneity.”
-Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader

“ A Juicy Portrait”
-Jim Ridley, Nashville Scene

Total run time of the VHS is 66 minutes.