Died On This Date (June 12, 1960) Eli Oberstein / Successful Record Producer & Label Head
themusicsover Eli Oberstein
December 13, 1901 – June 12, 1960
Eli Oberstein was a successful record producer and label executive during the early part of the 20th century. He went to work for Victor Records as a salesman during the ’20s and by the early 30s, he was running his own Crown Records. He also helped for the legendary Bluebird Records. As a producer, Oberstein helped create hits for the likes of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Ernest Tubb and Bill Monroe. In 1936, he became head of A&R at Victor and Bluebird Records and was instrumental in bringing Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw to the label. During the latter part of his life, Oberstein worked at numerous labels, including RCA and Columbia. He passed away at the age of 58. He may or may not be related to Joel Oberstein.
Jimmy Martin was a guitarist and singer who has been called the “King Of Bluegrass.” While looking to get his break in 1949, Martin sneaked backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and positioned himself so that passersby could hear him picking. On such person was the Blue Grass Boys’ Rudy Lyle who was impressed enough to bring Martin to meet his boss, Bill Monroe. After hearing just two songs, Monroe was so impressed by Martin’s picking and strong tenor voice that he hired him on the spot. He stayed with Monroe for the better part of the next six years and then soon thereafter formed his own band, the Sunny Mountain Boys. Martin built a name for himself with his unique voice as well as with his fun and unpredictable lives shows. In 1971, he performed on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s landmark album Will The Circle Be Unbroken. Jimmy Martin was 77 when he died of bladder cancer on May 14, 2005.
Lester Flatt was a singer and guitarist whose remarkable talents added to the success of 