6/13/2022
Performances and Artists
Grammy-winning singer and trumpeter Skip Martin says he’s in the business of making people feel good.
And that’s especially important these days, adds Martin, famous for his tenure as lead singer and trumpeter for two legendary R&B and pop groups, Kool & the Gang and The Dazz Band.
“People have felt a lot of anxiety these last couple of years with everything going on in the world,” says Martin. “I want to offer them an experience that is going to bring them joy and remind them to stay positive and keep believing.”
With his new show, “A Boy Named Skip,” the multi-talented Martin aims to do just that with an uplifting evening of dancing, singing and storytelling that both showcases his musical history and reflects on some of his most cherished life experiences.
“The show is packed with feel-good stories from my life, that are intertwined with music that makes you want to get up and dance,” says Martin.
A Prolific Entertainer
A trumpet player, producer, singer and songwriter, Martin applied all of his talents in recording chart-topping hits for Kool & the Gang and The Dazz Band.
In 1982, Martin and The Dazz Band won a Grammy Award for Best Performance by an R&B Group or Duo for their smash hit "Let It Whip.”
On top of achieving platinum and gold recordings, as well as several consecutive Top 100 albums and singles, Martin has released 67 albums to date.
“I’m in my happy place when I’m being creative,” he says.
Martin is also altruistic.
Just last year, he asked 29 of his musician friends, including longtime mentor Stevie Wonder, to be a part of an effort to help the children and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital impacted by the pandemic.
This resulted in the release of a timely rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s iconic song “People Get Ready,” which Martin says successfully raised money and marked one of the most rewarding projects of his life.
Also an author, Martin wrote the children’s book “Morgan The Clydesdale Pony,” which tells the story of a young Clydesdale pony who hopes to race in the Kentucky Derby despite his awkwardly large size.
“It’s all about believing in becoming whatever you want,” says Martin, who also finds time to conduct motivational seminars for children.
Unfolding a Life On-Stage
Audiences will experience the many dimensions of Martin’s career and life in his upcoming show, he says.
To amplify the live performance, Martin will feature music video playback on the screen above his robust band, which includes two horn players, two singers and four rhythm section members.
“I remove the vocal and lead trumpet from the video and play that live on stage,” says Martin. “It really stimulates the senses to hear and see it.”
Along with celebrating his musical history with Kool & the Gang and The Dazz Band, Martin’s show pays tribute to some of his musical mentors who have influenced him throughout the years, such as Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Donny Hathaway and, of course, Stevie Wonder.
“I’m so fortunate that I have so much to share,” he says, adding that it will be his first time performing at Myron’s. “I can’t wait!”