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Martin Banks Obituary
Family-Placed Obituary
Martin Buford Banks Jr. passed away Friday, August 20, 2004. He is survived by his wife, Leslie Banks; his mother, Rose Banks; one brother; two sisters; five sons; and many grandchildren, including Daniel and Jackie. Martin was born in Austin, Texas on June 21st, 1936. He was an accomplished musician, avid saltwater fisherman, and an inspiration to many. Considered a jazz giant in the Austin musical scene, Martin is a member of the Texas Music Hall of Fame. In the 1960's he was a long time member of the Apollo Theater House Band in New York, a regular session musician at the original Motown recording studio. Martin played and/or recorded with many renowned musicians such as Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, James Brown, BB. King, Sun Ra, King Curtis, David ``Fathead' Newman, Larry DC Williams, Freddie King, Dizzy Gillespie and countless others. A service memorial-benefit will take place on Sunday, September 12th at Laguna Gloria Art Museum.
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Memories and Condolences
for Martin Banks
Sponsored by The Banks Family.
Bill Averbach
August 16, 2021
Just checking in.
I miss you Martin and often think about you. Peace.
Martin with Bart Madeley and Lake Austin Bass
Bill Averbach
August 16, 2020
Ernie Durawa
August 16, 2019
I miss going fishing with Martin and best of all playing gigs with him.
R.I.P.
Don Veloz
January 16, 2015
Mr. Banks, its been 12 yes seen I last saw you and I missed talking to you every morning or afternoons when you'd walk your dogs past my house on so.6th st. And my most greatesttime was when we jammed at my house and me on my sax. Thanks so much for the memories Mr.Banks and that iI got to jam with the greatest jazz trumpet player ever! Trully a blessing. R.I.P. my friend. Don Vincent Veloz.
Mike DiMartino
October 25, 2011
Just listening again to TAKE AIM, and remembering the one time I met Martin. Decided to Google and learned of his passing. Back in the early '80s I played in a few of the union hall rehearsal bands, such a Leslie Drayton's. Most of those cats were downright snobs to me, the new kid on the block from NY. But two cats who were the warmest and most welcoming to me were two of the greatest to grace those rehearsals--Snooky Young and the dear Martin Banks--just so enthusiastic and inspiring to me; he loved the music.
Curtis Batts
May 13, 2008
When I first picked up the horn, he taught me. I will always love you - my main man. When I was in Austin, TX at Huston-Tillotson college he was giving impromptu trumpet lessons and he was a great friend. One!
Ojito Prevatt
May 18, 2007
Martin,
Ernesto had a wild trip to Belize this year. He thought of you often when he was getting obliterated by the caribean. We caught lots of Fish and man you would have loved it.
Jon Emery
May 10, 2007
Martin,my beloved friend, you were my fishing buddy and you played your last gig on Earth at Jovitas with me and my band-- Next time that I go fishing over at Laguna Gloria,I'll catch one for you. Love, JE
Ojito Prevatt
August 3, 2005
Cann't believe it has been that long since you have been gone. We think about you all the time and miss you more than words can say. Time goes on but the memory get stronger and stonger. God Bless you my friend
Barry Welch
August 2, 2005
Damnit Martin, has it really been almost a year since you left us?
Man, I sure do miss you... Every day!!
Joyce DiBona
November 10, 2004
Martin,
I think I know how you might have felt about this "obit" stuff, but I just have to participate. You made the world a better place. Thanks for being my friend. You were always an "artists' artist" and your voice of encouragement still remains in my heart. You made me laugh and I deeply appreciate how you always urged me onward and upward, insisting that I aim for the stars. You were an inspiration, an incredible talent, and most of all: a sincere, kind, genuine person. Blessings to your friends and family~I know you are deeply missed. See you on the other side.
Joyce
Harrison Eppright
October 16, 2004
Mr. Banks was a true gentleman was always ready to lend a hand, musicwise. I will miss his participation at St. James Episcopal Church's music programs, including our Jazz Weekend, and Christmas Mass. I will also miss his strong but gentle hugs whenever I ran into him at a gig, whether it was at a club or at St. James'Church.
I met some of the family especially the sons at the Memorial Celebration at Laguna Gloria in September 2004. My deepest sympathies and unbounded love goes out to the family of this wonderful man.
Peace,
Roy Hill
October 5, 2004
I was blessed to hear Mr. Banks play a few times and it was a joy. So much I'm a hugh jazz fan to this day.
Ginger Shults
September 22, 2004
I am truly blessed to have known Martin Banks. For the past 17 years he awed me with his talent, impressed me with his knowledge and charmed me with his wit. He was there for me, in my ups and downs, never complaining, always giving, and constantly reminding me that what mattered in life was one's family and one's music. I will never forget Martin and the impact he had on my life. I miss him. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family --especially his wife and the grandchildren he loved so dearly.
Stephanie Patteson
September 7, 2004
You had a way of making those around you smile. They broke the mold when they made you. Mia and I are lucky to have known you. You are loved and missed.
DB Bearden
September 3, 2004
You were certainly my best friend.
Terry Hale
August 29, 2004
Thank you for the music, warmth and friendship. All three of which I learned more about each time I had the honor to work with you.My best to your family.
Terry Hale
Euela Overton Lane
August 28, 2004
My best wishes to the family and memories of the accomplishments of this young man. May his memory live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Scott Levy
August 28, 2004
Really thankful to have known and played with Martin.he could make the gig seem special, either by his playing, or personality, or both. My life is enriched to have known him. God Speed, Martin.
Desiree McBride
August 27, 2004
We will miss our weekly phone call from Martin asking, "Heh, do you have any work for me?" Martin brought a smile to everyone's face who knew him. A great man who will forever do great things even in his abscence. Your friends at The Austin Federation of Musicians, Local #433 will miss you dearly.
Gil Jenkins
August 27, 2004
Martin Banks was not just known here in Texas, but he was also, known all over the USA. Austin Tx, has realy lost a real Giant, one of the few that was still here. I have no dought that Martin is playing his horn right now, but in one of the best bands ever known to man kind.
Gil Jenkins
YoYo MGMT.LP.
The Blues Crawlers
(family & Friends)
Rick McRae
August 26, 2004
So long to a wonderful musician. Always ready with a smile and a great story. I will miss Martin every time I hear a great trumpet solo....Rick McRae
Anna Pecorino
August 25, 2004
The long years of friendship with Marty, makes the memories bittersweet, the friend who taught my 9 year old son to play chess (30 years ago), amazed my children that he could make four peanut butter sandwiches lining up all the bread on his arm, memories through the years sweet and tender...hearing his solo, blue and lonely, at Larry William's funeral, was the last time I heard him play. I miss him terribly.
Tim Clement
August 25, 2004
It was always a joy to talk with Martin. I took lessons from him for over a year. I'll never forget my 4ths =) I looked forward to his stories each week. He loved to talk about everything (fishing, the babies, music, his travels to name a few). I was always amazed at the things he had seen and done.
I always felt a little wiser after a lesson with Martin.
Leon Prause
August 24, 2004
I, with the rest of the music world, will really miss Martin. He was a true jazz icon to everyone, especially to the Austin Community. He always had a great attitude and if there was an Austin "JazzCat", it was Martin.
Keep cool, Martin and God speed. The trumpet section in Heaven just got better.
Leon Prause
Redd Volkaert
August 24, 2004
I only had the pleasure a few times, but indeed it was! Your music . . .
Randy McCall
August 24, 2004
I did not have a better friend in the world. And many others also can say the same thing. But to have made music, jive, laugh and philosophize with Martin was a one of a kind privilege in this life. He was a very kind, thoughtful man with never a harsh word for anyone. His unyielding devotion to parenting his grandchildren was truly awe-inspiring. Life will not be the same around here. We will always appreciate you Mr. Banks.
Randy & Chris McCall
glenn rexach
August 24, 2004
I will always cherish the time playing with Martin blowing next to me, telling everyone with his horn how to do it. You will continue to remain an inspiration for me and countless others, Martin. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, and God bless you.
Kent Winking
August 24, 2004
Over the years I've known Martin, He always had a way of brightening a day. From the words, "Lookie Here" to "Let's go Throw Down" I will Always have a smile when I think of him. We will miss you Martin Banks!!!
Carl, Piak, Jeanne-Jo, Brian, and Alan Gregory
August 24, 2004
Such an easy man to love, such an easy man to love... How can I have laughed with you on the phone in the morning and then we lost you on the same night?
There should have been many more years, dear friend, many more years. Baby-Doll's hugs and fives with the boys are suddenly memories, not expectations. Too soon, too soon.
Later.
Laura Mordecai
August 23, 2004
I had the honor and joy of working with Martin when he served as a board member for the musicians union. He sure kept me on my toes!
He gave me one of my favorite Austin memories when he taught our four year old son how to fish. It was a huge milestone for any small boy and he wouldn't have gotten that experience had it not been for Martin's kind invitation. Ten years later that's still one of my son's favorite memories too.
Thank you Martin
God Bless
Art Blondin
August 23, 2004
I was just beginning to know the magic that was Martin Banks. I will miss him dearly.
Felipe Borrero
August 23, 2004
Gracias por todo tu musica , talento y apoyo mi hermano.
Atentamente,
Felipe
Michael Melinger
August 23, 2004
All Martin had to do was walk into the room and the whole place would light up. We are all the richer for having known him. We will miss you Martin!
Chris Gage
August 23, 2004
Martin, you brought SOUL to the stage. I'm forever grateful to have experienced it first hand. You will be missed.
Floyd Domino
August 23, 2004
Martin was always about family, music, fishing and joy. We all miss him so much.
David Perkoff
August 23, 2004
thank you Martin for being such a good buddy to my daughter and a good daddy to yours.
Paul Baker
August 23, 2004
Martin was a true treasure, both as a person and a musician - a man who had participated in creating much of the musical history I cherish. His passing takes away a great collection of knowledge and experience that will be missed, almost as much as his deep laugh or melodious trumpet. Godspeed, Martin.
Cynthia Banks
August 23, 2004
Uncle Bubba,
You make my heart smile with every memory....spring break in 1980 with you and Tookie in Orlando,of times w/Leslie,Aisha,Daniel and Jackie, & especially the love you showed my son Julian; ...tell Daddy (Martin Sr.)hello and don't talk to anybody about politics or religion. I will always wish we could have done more together. Love always, your niece Cynthia.
dooweedndeedndoobopweedndoodeedndoo
Bill Averbach
August 22, 2004
Martin,
You will always be in my heart, soul and music. Hang on to that old "croc"
bicycle bill
ali
August 22, 2004
Martin was a devoted horn teacher
and it was an honor to have worked
with him for the last 6 years at Brook Mays Music store. He will be
missed very much. Much love to his family.
Duane Hamilton
August 22, 2004
What a great time we had, we will miss you always.
Ernie Durawa
August 22, 2004
Martin!
We will miss you dear brother.
Ojito Prevatt
August 22, 2004
I had the honor of knowing Martin Banks and being a close personal friend of the great Jazz man. We will miss him dearly and will always carry his memory in our hearts. May the fishing be good and the Jazz so sweat.
With Love
Prevatt Family
Malachi, Emily, Ojito, Ernest
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