Country music pioneer Martin dies

Pioneering country singer Jimmy Martin has died at the age of 77 after being diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Having performed as lead vocalist for the respected Blue Grass Boys in 1955, Martin formed his own band, the Sunny Mountain Boys.

"In his heyday, he could take an audience of any size and have them eating out of his hand," said Sunny Mountain Boys member Bill Emerson.

Martin died in Nashville, more than a year after discovering he had cancer.

Songs became standards

"He loved bluegrass music, country music," said his son Lee Martin.

"Bill Monroe was his idol and someone he patterned himself after musically," he added, referring to Monroe, head of the Blue Grass Boys.

Jimmy Martin recorded several bluegrass standards, including Rock Hearts, Sophronie, Hold Watcha Got, Widow Maker and The Sunny Side of the Mountain.

He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honour in 1995.