Bill Martin - Oregon Public Broadcast TV

Broadcast in 2003, this public television documentary profiles caller Bill Martin and the old-time southern Appalachian music and dance scene in Portland, Oregon. Bill is widely credited with creating a vibrant community, encouraging musicians and mentoring younger callers, here seen working with Caroline Oakley. The influence of this Portland scene has spread to Seattle, San Francisco, and farther away, as a new generation discovers and celebrates the community roots of music and dance traditions from far away.

Bill Martin died from cancer in September, 2012; a month before that, friends recorded an hour-long interview with him.

For a look at the Portland dance community six years later, watch this video by Doug Plummer, Not Your Grandparents Square Dance.