From his first performance in the late 1940s until his early death in 1982 Marty Robbins established himself as one of the most popular and successful singersongwriters in the latter half of the 20th century. On the country charts he racked up 15 1 hits including the crossover smashes El Paso and A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation.A beloved entertainer Robbins received honors from every major music association. El Paso became the first Grammy ever awarded to a Country song while My Woman My Woman My Wife received the 1970 Grammy for Best Country Song. In 1969 Robbins was named artist of the decade by the Academy of Country Music. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982. In addition to his success as a singersongwriter Robbins loved car racing. In the early 1970s he joined the NASCAR circuit and raced the rest of his life.