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Portraits from our Past:
FAMOUS MUSICIANS
Southwest Virginia Music
CARL MARTIN
Born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, in 1906, Carl Martin could play anything
with strings including the mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and string
bass. In the early part of his career, he performed throughout
the mountains of Virginia and nearby states. Martin played house
parties, dances, and street and medicine shows as part of an
African-American string band. Along with Roland Martin (his half-brother)
and Howard Armstrong, he formed the Tennessee Chocolate Drops.
He recorded with the band on the Vocalion label in Knoxville,
Tennessee in the 1930's. Late in the 30's, Martin moved the Chicago
where he developed a diverse musical background of blues, jazz,
pop, country and non-English songs. In the 60's and 70's, Martin
and musical partners Ted Brogan and Armstrong played the folk
and blues circuit all over the country. Martin's recordings in
the 30's and 60's included selections like "Crow Jane Blues,"
"Kid Man Blues," "Trouble On Your Mind,"
and "Goin' Back Home." In addition, he recorded with
other Chicago-based performers such as Bill Brooney, Tampa Red,
and Bumble Bee Slim.
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