During his three decades as a country music performer; Marty Robbins (1925-1982) placed 94 songs on Billboards country music charts; with sixteen number-one hits. In addition to two Grammy awards; he was also honored with the Man of the Decade Award from the Academy of Country Music in 1970. His Hawaiian songs; rockabilly hits; teen-angst ballads; pop standards; and country western classics showcased his exceptional versatility. Yet even with fame and fortune; Robbins always yearned for more. Twentieth Century Drifter: The Life of Marty Robbins is the first biography of this legendary country music artist and NASCAR driver. Drawing from personal interviews and in-depth research; biographer Diane Diekman explains how Robbins saw himself as a drifter; a man always searching for self-fulfillment and inner peace. Born Martin David Robinson to a hardworking mother and an abusive alcoholic father; he never fully escaped the insecurities burned into him by a poverty-stricken nomadic childhood in the Arizona desert. As Diekman describes; he spent his early teens in trouble with the law and worked an assortment of short-term jobs after serving in combat in World War II. In 1947 he got his first gig as a singer and guitar player. Too nervous to talk; the shy young man walked onstage singing. Soon he changed his name to Marty Robbins; cultivated his magnetic stage presence; and established himself as an entertainer; songwriter; and successful NASCAR driver. As NASCARs Bobby Allison said; "He started out being a singer driving a race car; but he became a race car driver who could sing." For fans of Robbins; NASCAR; and classic country music; Twentieth Century Drifter: The Life of Marty Robbins is a revealing portrait of this well-loved; restless entertainer; a private man who kept those who loved him at a distance.
#2310998 in eBooks 2012-09-05 2012-09-05File Name: B008WONUNK
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