Grady Martin, country music guitarist, 72

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

Wednesday December 5 1:23 PM ET 

Country music guitarist Grady Martin dies

LEWISBURG, Tenn. (Reuters) - Guitar great Grady Martin, whose nimble
fingering style enhanced recordings by top country music stars, has
died, a funeral home said Wednesday.

Martin, 72, died Monday after a long illness, according to the Lawrence
Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, Tennessee.

Martin was considered one of the most inventive stylists in the
industry, and was in demand as a session musician for such stars as
Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash.

His work was featured on hit recordings ``El Paso'' by Marty Robbins,
``On the Road Again'' by Willie Nelson, ``I'm Sorry'' by Brenda Lee,
``Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy'' by Red Foley, and ``For the Good Times''
by Ray Price.

He began recording at age 15, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 1946
performing with the Bailes Brothers Band. He also recorded instrumental
singles for Decca Records and Monument Records.

Last year, Martin was awarded the ``Chetty'' award, named for the late
guitar wizard Chet Atkins.

Reuters/Variety REUTERS 


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