Lecil Travis Martin, known professionally as Boxcar Willie, was born on September 1, 1931, in Sterling City, Texas. He began his musical career while serving in the United States Air Force, adopting the name Boxcar Willie after a fellow pilot told stories about a hobo by that name. In 1971, Martin retired from the Air Force and transitioned to full-time performing. His early success came in the United Kingdom in the 1970s, where he achieved significant chart success. He released several albums including King of the Road (1979), which reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. He moved to Branson, Missouri, in 1982 and opened the Boxcar Willie Theater. Martin passed away on April 12, 1999, at the age of 67.
