Asa F. Martin (June 25, 1900 – August 15, 1979) was an American old-time musician, singer, and guitarist, who made many recordings during the 1920s and 1930s and was closely associated with renowned fiddle player Doc Roberts, for whom he played rhythm guitar.
[1] Because of low finances, Martin decided to drop out of medical school and try his hand at a career in music.
In the early 1920s, he played in several dance bands, and in the meantime, he worked in a cinema as a background musician for silent movies.
[2] In addition to being a recording star, Martin performed on radio stations in Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Martin gave Akeman the moniker "String Beans" during an onstage presentation when he could not remember the banjo player's name.