Mac Martin

Mac Martin (Born: April 26, 1925 – Died: February 28, 2022) was an American bluegrass musician from Pittsburgh, PA. (aged 96) His first band: the Pike County Boys (1948). He played mandolin. His real name: William (Bill) Colleran. The Pike County Boys had three Bills in it, so he adopted the stage name of Mac Martin and the name stuck with him throughout his career. Day job: he was an accountant. 1954, formed his own band The Dixie Travelers with Mike Carson (fiddle) and Billy Bryant (banjo). Bryant died in 1994. They were regulars at a Pittsburgh club called Walsh’s Lounge (19 years). 1972, retired from the band. Mandolinist (and bluegrass historian) Bob Artis led the Dixie Travelers until Martin returned in 1977. 1998, released Buzz Matheson & Mac Martin: Echoes of the Past album (White Oak). 2001, released A Dark Starless Night album (White Oak). 2004, released Travelin’ On album (Copper Creek). 2005, released Venango album (Copper Creek). 2015, released Goin’ Down the Country album (Rural Rhythm). 2015, retired from performing at age 90. Played last concert with his Dixie Travelers on September 17, designated by the mayor of the city as “Mac Martin Day” in Pittsburgh. (http://bluegrassbios.com/martin-mac)