Shaun Martin was a seven-time Grammy Award winner as a keyboardist for the jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy and music director and producer for gospel singer Kirk Franklin.
- Died: August 3, 2024 (Who else died on August 3?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 45.
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Shaun Martin’s legacy
After growing up in Dallas, Martin got his start in the music industry while he was still attending a local arts-focused high school, touring as a keyboardist with Franklin. That relationship would grow into one of the primary pieces of Martin’s musical life. Franklin asked him to co-produce his 2005 album “Hero,” which won Martin his first Grammy Award. As he continued producing for Franklin – ultimately winning three more Grammys for that work – Martin evolved into Franklin’s band’s music director as well.
While in college at the University of North Texas, Martin worked on Erykah Badu’s 2000 album “Mama’s Gun.” He co-wrote several of the songs, played keyboards, and worked as one of the album’s producers. Later, Franklin joined Snarky Puppy, the large and ever-evolving jazz fusion band known for their exuberant instrumentals. Martin played various keyboards, including the talkbox, which merges vocals with keyboard controls. With Snarky Puppy, Martin won three more Grammy Awards, all for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Martin was also the Minister of Worship and Music at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas. He performed there when he wasn’t touring with Franklin or Snarky Puppy, and he led the congregation’s music ministry. He also released three solo albums, beginning with 2015’s “7 Summers.”
Martin on playing weekly at a large church
“If it does nothing else, it gives you confidence, that’s true. Because like you say, you play in front of thousands of people every week, which means you get thousands of comments every week, too! But it’s cool.” —from a 2016 interview for Forbes
Tributes to Shaun Martin
Full obituary: Music Radar
