Sunny Mountain Boys in Detroit

**JohnFabke** · September-28-09, 11:57 AM

Hi Folks,
I am currently working on a biography of bluegrass musician/bandleader Jimmy Martin. Jimmy and his band, the Sunny Mountain Boys, were based in Detroit in the 1950s. They appeared on a radio and TV jamboree with Casey Clark [[sponsored by Grissom Auto I believe) and I think they also had a TV show for awhile in Windsor.
I am looking for anyone who might have any memories of the band during their stay in Detroit. I'm especially interested in any live recordings, radio transcriptions, TV footage or photographs relating to the band. Thanks in advance for any help you might offer.

**ordinary** · September-28-09, 02:14 PM

JohnFabke,
Have you called Larry McDaniel at WDET? He would probably have a wealth of information.

**texorama** · September-28-09, 02:24 PM

Try also this guy. He has a wealth of knowledge about Detroit country music and was working on a book about it last I heard. Tell him Tex sent you.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/craig-maki/9/7a8/aa3

**JohnFabke** · September-28-09, 03:23 PM

Great! Thanks so much. I will follow through on those two leads. Much appreciated!

**texorama** · September-28-09, 04:32 PM

Another possible contact for Craig [[this is his label):

http://www.woodwardrecords.com/

**JohnFabke** · September-28-09, 05:01 PM

Thanks again! I'll try that.

**texorama** · September-28-09, 08:46 PM

Could also try on the Canadian side:

http://windsoressex.cioc.ca/record/ESS0314

David Blakney is a longtime bluegrass presenter in the area.

Other relevant info: Jimmy was also associated with the Osborne Brothers on WJR and CKLW-TV:

http://www.bluegrass-museum.org/gene...bbyOsborne.php

**JohnFabke** · September-28-09, 10:00 PM

Super! Thanks again for the help. I just had a great interview with both Paul Williams and Bobby Osborne last Saturday. They both played with Jimmy in Detroit.