Tributes, Dedications, and Rememberances 2001

Lonnie Breithaupt,As a close friend and road member my regards go to the greatest singer in the buisness.He brought many many cheers from the stage of the grand ole opry and many public apperances.His love for his fans consider a royality in mind and person.In fact the greatest songwriter in the buisness.His death brought tears from all over the world.As i stood beside hime on the opry one night,we didn"t know what he was going to do next,or what he might say to you that would crack you up.In other words the most appluaded singer on the grand ole opry.We Will All Miss You Marty.And to God a Blessing/

Marty was without doubt,the most appualded singer on the grand ole opry.His comedy and singing ablity proved everything for a person.His voice,his writting,his total entertainment has cherrished the love of his fans.When we lost Marty///God gained a friend.Indeed we miss him,but his memories will be around for ever

Iwas12 years old when I first heard Marty singing EL PASO. I've started to learn English at Junior High School here in Japan. I didn't know any English but I was so much impressed to hear this great song. I can tell you Marty made me interested in country music and it is my best favorite type of music and Marty is my all time favorite. About 4 years ago, I opened a small country music saloon in Hiroshima, Japan named EL PASO. I've been thinking to name it whenever I'd have a chance to have this kind of bar-room. I play EL PASO everynight as our theme song for opening and closing. In 1978, I visited Nashville on our honeymoon and had a Greatest chance to meet him at the backstage of Grand Ole Opry with the help of Katz Kobayashi, steel guitar player for Marty for some years. The picture of Marty with my wife and me is my treasure one for us. I was so lucky to meet him. I used to have a small record shop for 21 years and collected many country albums of Marty and other country artists. Whenever I'm down hearted, I always try to listen to Marty and make myself feeling happy. Marty, you were the greatest singer I've ever known. And I'll never get tired to listen to Marty as long as I live. Thanks for the great songs and personality.

I am a great fan off Marty Robbins,I HAVE ALL HIS RECCORDS I still remember him as a great reformer, and singer. greatings from holland. Theo Hellenthal /Netherlands

I have been a fan of Marty Robbins ever since his early hits like Mr.Teardrops, Singing The Blues, White Sport Coat, Story of my life, etc., but what I admired Marty most was for the old west songs like El Paso, Big Iron, Mr. Shorty, San Angelo and of course some of his romantic songs. Marty will always be in our thoughts and his songs will never die. I am the founder of the country music appreciation society in Malta and have a 2 hour radio show called "Super Country" on Super 1 Radio and Marty's songs are forever requested. Long live the memory of the gunfighter balladeer, Marty.

Marty was without dout,one of the greatest country and western singers in the business.His apperances on the Grand Ole Opry was the greatest of all as he really enjoyed playing the opry.He will be know as the most applauded singer on the grand ole opry.We we lost Marty/GOD gained a friend. Lonnie Breithaupt

I have been a fan of Marty Robbins since the 60's. Although I never attended any of his concerts,I have enjoyed hearing his songs of the Old West. It was a sad day when I heard about his passing. Keep up the fantastic work on this webpage. This is what will keep Marty alive in the hearts of his fans.

I have been a fan since the first time,I ever heard on of his songs.It was "EL PASO" on my stay in that place,for working with the Netherlands Air Force in 1969. I am persuaded to believe that he had the most unique voice in history.I was end still am his fan.Kristy thanks for your great web site. greeting from Holland. Theo Hellenthal, Breda-The Netherlands

I will always remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard that Marty was dead. My heart just broke because he was the one artist that I always wanted to see and didn't. His death was on my son's birthday and I shall never forget thinking, now I'll never see him in person. I do however have almost all his music. From box-sets to albums. He was the greatest!!!!1

I never saw Marty perform, and I was too much of a rock n roller to appreciate his music when I was a kid. Now I play several of his songs on guitar and they always get a warm response from the audience. I just wish I could sing them half as good as Marty. Neil

we will always rmeber marty as the singing cowboy. he will always be in are hearts and on our radioes.

As long as I can remember my mother was in love with Marty's music. So much so that at there wedding aniversary my family put on a moch wedding and when it was asked if there where any objections my mothers best friend yelled out that Marty my still be available. Growing up I learned the words to most of his songs and also have a deep love for him. I was only 7yrs. when he passed and have always been upset that I could not see him in person. Well I have my tapes so I still have Marty close to my heart. Thanks this is a great site.

I was 10 years old when my family took me to the Indiana State Fair in August of '82, and we went to see Marty perform an afternoon show at the coliseum there on the fairgrounds. One vivid memory I remember was he was singing El Paso City, and there was a family in the front row with a baby that was crying. Not breaking a note, he summoned the baby from the parents and continued singing to the baby in his arms. The baby settled down, but had wet all over his shirt! He got such a kick out of the whole thing, and the audience roared. The next thing I knew, that December, I came home from school, and my mom was crying. She said, "We lost Marty, he passed away." I was saddened as well, but I feel, even though at a young age, that I was quite priviledged to see that legend in person, and will forever be a true fan.

we remember when we saw marty in person at a concert and he stayed at the end to sign every autograph that the fans wanted.we never forgot that.big name stars weren`t as nice as marty was,they don`t even want to sign autographs.we miss him very much.he will live on in our hearts.

This is such a wonderful site.When I was 12 years old my dad had left my mother.That is when I got hooked on Marty's music.I started buying everything I could by Marty.I found great comfort in his music and it was something that no one could take from me.I am now 45 and he has been a big influence in my life.Ihave 65 albums in my collection and many many articles.I seen him in concert 5 times.My lifelong dream was to be a radio DJ and in 1996 a local radio station had a program where you could go in and do an hour long show of your favourite music.Well that was my chance,I was the first one to do a show and I did 1 full hour on MARTY.After that show I wound up doing my own sunday midnight show for 2 years.Thanks to MARTY I got to fulfill my lifelong dream and pay tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time.If anyone is interested in sharing stories on MARTY or any other of the great singers from that era please contact me at notmeclown@hotmail.com I'm from ONTARIO CANADA.

My first love in music was rock'n'roll way back in 1959, when I was a boy of 13, with Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Roy Orbison, Del Shannon, Bobby Darin etc. Then, somehow I latched on to Hank Williams and his music and that put me on the path to Marty Robbins. Marty's music entered my life around about that time and I can still remember playing "Ballad of the Alamo" over and over again just to write the lyrics and that must be near to 40 years ago now ! My favourite all-time Robbins track is "Utah Carol" and it still brings a lump to my throat every time I play it, and I've played it a lot - Marty could certainly tell a story. Thanks to this superb website I now have a copy of the discography to help me track down all my missing tracks. The only trouble is there's not much available here in England - so it's the import shop for me !! Marty, 20 years since you've been gone now and I miss you still but man, I've got your music and I'll play it 'til I die. Harry Glasper Middlesbrough England

fantastic web sight. I seen marty in concert in my home town and just fell in love with him and his music. He was and still is the best entertainer I have ever seen. Even to this day i shed more than one tear for him when i hear his music the world really lost when he passed on.

Being born and raised in Tucson, how could you have not heard of Marty Robbins. Really loved his music and only dreamed of a chance to meet such a great person. In 1981 I had the opportunity to go to work for a nascar team in Kannapolis,NC (JD Stacy Ent.). WE were at Daytona and Eddie Jones who used to work at JS Stacy, was now crew chiefing Marty's 22 car. Eddie ask me if I could come over and help change a rear end gear. He was garaged right in front of us, and trying to make a practice session. I had just finished changing the gear, and rolled out from under the car and a hand reached out and helped me up of the creeper. Ther he was, it was him (Marty). I probably looked like an idiot just standing there with my mouth hung open. Once I got over the shock, I had the chance to talk and learn a little bit about Marty Robbins the NASCAR driver. Those great memories will last me the rest of my life. Thank you for the memories! Franklin H. Parks Holladay, Tn.

Absolutely, noone can deliver a song like Marty Robbins could. My very favorite is: "Woman Woman my Wife" I must admit the day I heard Marty's son sing I was most impressed. He did a fantastic job of his father's music. Louise Kolibar

i allways sang som of marty,s songs and he just seemed to giveus all the sperit we needed to keep on singing those wondefull ballids we all loved so much,i know thathe was a great inspiration to me,wish i could have met him even a family member so we could here stories about his career in music and to giveus all a few pointers on how to really sing as he did so well ......from wilf saulnier

Marty did his thing his own way and thats why admire this man. I remember being at my first NASCAR event at Michigan International Speedway with my Dad in 1977. It was a great race and me and my Dad are Mopar lovers. Both of us were pulling for all the Dodge Chargers on the track. Those were great cars back in those days. I usually got confused with Marty and Richard Petty because I was young back then. Trust me, Marty knew what he was doing on the race track as well as his history of songs throughout his lifetime and I will never forget such a great man that has influenced my life with his songs and his attitude towards life....

I ALWAYS LOVED MARTY ROBBINS-MUSIC,I HAD A CHANCE TO HIM ON HIS LAST UK;TOUR IT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE NIGHT TO REMEMBER WHILE ALL OF HIS MATERIAL IS GREAT, IT IS THESE SONGS I LOVE THE MOST.A GREAT SINGER LIKE YOU WILL NEVER DIE GOD BLESS!! FROM, WILLIAM STRACHAN;UK:;

Certainly a gentlemen, and great entertainer; most likely the best country music will ever have. I have enjoyed his songs for over 50 years; with my two favorites being: The Story Of My Life, and Devil Woman. Sure do miss Marty; may he rest in peace. Respectfully, Dan H. Ford Bessemer, AL

I first heard Marty Robins songs back in the early sixties, Gunfighter Ballads & trails song, i imediatly went out and bought it i am still buying his records now, although they are pretty hard to find in the UK. He was the only western ballad singer, and for me nobody will be able to surpase his talent or emulate his voice. the original of masters call, the Alomo, Man walks amoug us, and is there any chance are my all time favorites, but all love all the songs i have, and sing along as i play them in the car, and at home. i only wish i could seen him live, Rod leicester UK.

Look at all the pictures of Marty smiling and it's easy to see that he must have been a positive spirit and life force. I met Marty at the top of the Mint in Las Vegas. My mother was "ga ga" and I was just innocuous, celebrating my 3rd birthday. The maitre dee introduced us and Marty shook my hand and smiled. Thirty-three years later, I now know who he was and I'm still listening to his music and admiring the person. The lucky souls in heaven, just think, he's playing for them nightly. :) Tim Kreitler

My husband recorded a Video tape of Marty for me and I will never part with it. I have played it for all my friends and never get tired of watching it. I really never cared for country music until I listened to him.He is absolutely the greatest. Thank You for this Web site. Evelyn

I met Marty a couple of times. Once in St. Joseph, Mo and once In Kansas City, Kansas. In Kansas City he bought ice cream for the entire band (or he had Don do it) and the when everyone had their ice cream, he started playing a song and they all had to lay it on the floor to play. It was hot. It melted. I truly enjoyed this man and his music and I still miss him.

I THINK THE EASIEST WAY TO SUM UP MARTY ROBBINS, IS THAT HE HAD IT ALL. THERE WAS AN EXCITEMENT ABOUT HIS VOICE THAT WAS SPELLBINDING. WHAT AN IMMENSE TALENT THIS MAN POSSESSED APART FROM HIS GREAT VOCAL TECHNIQUE, HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST SONG WRITERS THAT THERE'S EVEN BEEN. MY OWN PARTICULAR FAVORITE PERIOD OF MARTY'S WAS THE 60'S, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS HIS GOLDEN PERIOD. WHAT SUPERB RECORDINGS HE MADE THROUGH THIS DECADE, WITH THAT WONDERFUL GRADY MARTIN GUITAR, JOE BABCOCK, DON WINTERS, AND BOBBY SYKES, GREAT VOCAL BACKING SOUNDS ENHANCING THE GREAT ROBBINS VOICE. IF ANY ONE NEEDS PROOF OF THE MAN'S TALENT, I ADVISE THEM TO BUY 'THE BEST OF THE MARTY ROBBINS T.V. SHOW', WHICH NOT ONLY SHOW HIS VOCAL GREATNESS, BUT ALSO HIS WIT AND CHARM. CREATED BEHIND THE MASTER. INCIDENTALLY, JOE BABCOCK WROTE SOME GREAT SONGS FOR MARTY

as i write this i,m listenening to devil woman. but my fave is aint life a cryin shame, marty was a great talent.

I myself along with my Dad and younger brother were fortunate enough to see Marty Robbins at the Center of the Arts in Regina SK.Canada 5 months before he died. He was an excellent performer and it is something that I will remember always. The world needs more performers like him!

I have been a fan of Marty Robbins since the '50s when I believe he made some of his best recordings. I like the Ray Conniff Sessions he did in New York City. Marty could sing any kind of music and do it well. I was a member of Marty's fan club out of Georgia and a gal named Peggy Sue Monson ran it. A great country album that Marty made was called "RFD". It is not on CD and I wish Columbia would put it out! I saw Marty once in concert. He could sing a Beatles tune like "Yesterday" and turn around and sing "Big Iron" or "El Paso". What a performer!!!!

Marty was one of my very favorite alltime country singers.... He had such a beautiful "true" singing voice...and could make you "feel" the song. He sang so easily, no strain, like Don Williams. I'm a amateur singer/guitar player and love to sing his songs (some, I can't sing because of Marty's tremendous range..ha) I wish I'd written him and told him how much I loved his music ....while he was alive. Seems like all my favorites have died....Marty, Jim Reeves, Hank Snow, Keith Whitley, and others..... Enjoyed your site....Thanks Calvin Clements

I have been reading all the info I can on Marty, and continue to read in all the bio's about Marty joining a local band in Phoenix. I understand all of this but fail to understan why they don't mention this band who had so much influence on Marty's sucess and career? Some people may not realize that this band saved all their gig money to send Marty to Nashvile because all the members were married and had families, thus could not take a chance on making the trip. When asked to come to Nashville the band could not afford all of them so they sent Marty. A great guitar player named Bud Croy headed that band and in those days was know as one of the great guitar players and song writers in the country. He helped Marty write White sports coat and several other of Marty's earlier songs. They remaind very close even racing together until the end. He has recieved little or no credit for the start of Marty's career, because in those days they did'nt get all the publishing deals they get now. He was a devoted friend of Marty's and was one of the first people notified ot the time of his death by his wife. I know all of this because my grandfather ( "Bud" Audley Croy ) was this man. I grew up listening to the great stories of he and Marty in the early days. He loved Marty like a brother, and has passed that love on to me. I am a morning DJ on Oklahoma playing Classic country music. KKFC 105.5 Ada OK. I also have about 15 origional song written by Marty and my Grandfather (in their handwriting) that were never released or recorded. What a treasure. They co-wrote a song called "Bells Over The Desert" and never got to record it. Anyway I am a huge fan and will continue to play Marty songs deep into my career.

I never got to meet Marty, but he was one of, if not my first, loves! Even as a child, I would hear him and have to listen. Many school days were sooo long because I had lain awake listening to him on WSM the night before. His music is timeless, and can either make me happy or make me cry (or both) with just a few songs. Either way, I always feel better after listening!