Shaun Martin obit

Grammy Award-winning musician Shaun Martin dies aged 45

 

He was not on the list.

Snarky Puppy member Shaun Martin has died aged 45, the band confirmed on social media.

Martin was best known for performing in the five-time Grammy Award-winning American jazz fusion band.

He died yesterday according to Snarky Puppy’s statement. No cause of death was given.

On Instagram and X, they wrote: ‘Yesterday, we lost a music legend and, more importantly, a beautiful, luminous human being.

‘Shaun Martin touched so many people during his life and through the beautiful immortality of music, will continue to do so.

‘There’s so much that can be said but words can’t do justice. Rest in peace.’

Tributes have poured in from Martin’s fans, including X account @gu55er who wrote: ‘So so sad. What a loss. Awesomely, hugely, talented and an infectious laugh – got to meet him a couple of times after Snarky Puppy gigs, he was always happy to stand and chat. He even wrote my daughter a note to encourage her to keep practicing piano. Thinking of his family.’

@srp1165 said: ‘Hard to believe that Shaun Martin has crossed over. We met him a few years ago after a show in Charleston SC. Although he had just performed for hours, he was full of energy and a delight to talk to. Mr. Martin will be missed, but his music will carry on.’

@frdsilva added: ‘I can’t believe it! Life is so short, but thank goodness he left us his amazing talent! Sending love and strength to his family and friends.’

Prior to Martin’s death, a benefit concert to ‘support his recovery’ from an undisclosed illness was announced for September 14. Artists including Erykah Badu and Norah Jones are performing.

Snarky Puppy was formed as a 10-piece group by Michael League in his second year at the University of North Texas in 2004.

The band later became a collective with more than a dozen members and has released 10 albums, most recently Empire Central in 2022.

To date, Snarky Puppy has won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Peformance,and for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album four times.

Their hits include a version of the Brenda Russell song Something, performed with vocalist Lalah Hathaway.

Outside of Snarky Puppy, Martin was the music director for Gospel music star Kirk Franklin and former Minister of Music at Dallas’ Friendship-West Baptist Church.

He was also involved in the production and recording of Erykah Badu’s hit album Mama’s Gun.