Boxcar Willie | |
---|---|
![]() Martin in Boxcar Willie garb | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Lecil Travis Martin |
Also known as | Boxcar Willie |
Born | Ovilla, Texas, U.S. | September 1, 1931
Died | April 12, 1999 Branson, Missouri, U.S. | (aged 67)
Genres | Country, gospel |
Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, train whistle |
Website | www.boxcarwillie.com |
Military career | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | ![]() |
Years of service | 1949–1976 |
Rank | Master sergeant E7[1] |
Battles/wars | Korean War |
Lecil Travis Martin (September 1, 1931 – April 12, 1999), whose stage name was Boxcar Willie, was an American country music singer-songwriter, who sang in the "old-time hobo" music style, complete with overalls, and a floppy hat.[2] "Boxcar Willie" was originally a character in a ballad he wrote, but he later adopted it as his own stage name.[3] His early musical career was parallel to service as an enlisted flight engineer in the United States Air Force.