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'Unsung Heroes:' Grady Martin, Nashville Session Guitarist

Grady Martin's "Hot Time Tonight" album cover.
Grady Martin's "Hot Time Tonight" album cover.

The chances are pretty good that if a country record had some distinctive guitar licks on it, anytime from the early '50s through the 1970s, they were played by Grady Martin.

Along with Hank Garland and Chet Atkins — who, as a producer, regularly used Martin — he was one of the most prominent session guitarists in Nashville for 30 years. During a long career, Grady Martin played with artists like Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson and even Elvis Presley.

Tune in to another edition of  “Unsung Heroes, Influential but Overlooked Masters of Modern Music” for a glimpse into the world of this little known but significant Nashville legend. Listen Monday, June 11 at 8 p.m., on your radio or online.

Tom Engelmann produces "Unsung Heroes, Influential but Overlooked Masters of Modern Music." The series features biographical sketches and the music of artists who often work behind the scenes or in support of major musicians.
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