Marty Robbins was a country music legend, known for his versatility in singing various styles, including pure honky-tonk, rockabilly, gospel, straight-ahead pop, blues, and Hawaiian music. However, he is most remembered for his iconic cowboy songs.
Born Martin David Robinson in Arizona, Robbins was fascinated with the city of El Paso, Texas, since childhood. He joined the Navy in 1943, where he learned to play the guitar and began writing songs. After his discharge, he returned to Phoenix and worked various jobs before becoming a professional musician.
Robbins' music career began in the early 1950s, with his first single "Love Me or Leave Me Alone" being recorded in 1951. Although it didn't chart, he continued to release music, eventually signing with Columbia Records. His breakthrough came in 1953 with the hit single "I'll Go On Alone," which reached number one on the country charts.
Robbins' subsequent hits included "That's All Right," "Singing the Blues," "A White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation)," and "El Paso," which became his signature song. The latter reached number one on the country charts in 1959 and also crossed over to the pop charts, becoming his only number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout his career, Robbins released many successful albums, including "Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs," which featured the hit single "El Paso." He won two Grammy Awards, including one for "El Paso," which became the first country song to win the award.
Robbins continued to release music throughout the 1960s and 1970s, experimenting with different styles and collaborating with other artists. He also acted in several films and television shows, including his own variety series, "Marty Robbins' Spotlight."
In his later years, Robbins suffered from heart problems and underwent several bypass surgeries. He died on December 8, 1982, at the age of 57, but his music continued to be popular after his death. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982 and was remembered as one of country music's most beloved performers.
