Twentieth Century Drifter

The Life of Marty Robbins

By: Diane Diekman

Narrated by: Frank Gerard

Twentieth Century Drifter: The Life of Marty Robbins is the first biography of this legendary country music artist and NASCAR driver who scored 16 number-one hits and two Grammy awards. Yet, even with fame and fortune, Marty Robbins always yearned for more.

Drawing from personal interviews and in-depth research, biographer Diane Diekman explains how Robbins saw himself as a drifter, a man always searching for self-fulfillment and inner peace. Born Martin David Robinson to a hardworking mother and an abusive alcoholic father, he never fully escaped the insecurities burned into him by a poverty-stricken nomadic childhood in the Arizona desert. In 1947, he got his first gig as a singer and guitar player. Too nervous to talk, the shy young man walked onstage singing. Soon, he changed his name to Marty Robbins, cultivated his magnetic stage presence, and established himself as an entertainer, songwriter, and successful NASCAR driver.

For fans of Robbins, NASCAR, and classic country music, Twentieth Century Drifter: The Life of Marty Robbins is a revealing portrait of this well-loved, restless entertainer, a private man who kept those who loved him at a distance.

©2012 Diane Diekman (P)2022 Diane Diekman

Critic reviews

"One of the best Country music ebooks of all time." (BookAuthority)

Some memories just won't die

As a huge fan, I quite enjoyed this fantastic story of a Super Legend!

Great detail to Marty’s career and which musicians were in his bands in different eras.

Well researched and well written. The best resource on Marty Robbins’ career I’m aware of.