Marcus Martin

Marcus Lafayette Martin (August 2, 1881 – March 20, 1974) was a fiddle player in North Carolina. He was well-known in the region during his lifetime and his recordings continue to influence the repertoire and style of old-time musicians.

Biography Marcus Martin was born in the Aquone community of Macon County, North Carolina on August 2, 1881. As a child he learned fiddle repertoire and technique from his father, Nathaniel “Rowan” Martin, who was half Cherokee, and also from the Cherokee fiddler Manco Sneed. Martin began performing publicly at a young age, often providing music for square dances in Macon and Cherokee counties without any accompaniment. Like many rural musicians in the Southern Appalachians, Martin played various instruments, including banjo and harmonica, and also sang ballads. Martin married banjo player Callie Holloway and they had six children together, including five boys and a girl: Fred, Quentin, Wade, Kendall “Wayne,” Edsel, and Zenobia.

In addition to making music, Martin also constructed instruments, including fiddles and mountain dulcimers, and carved figurines.