Snarky Puppy member Shaun Martin dead at 45 as band calls musician ‘a beautiful and luminous human being’
SINGER Shaun Martin has died at the age of 45.
The Grammy-winning singer is known for being in the jazz band, Snarky Puppy.
His cause of death is unknown.
However, there was a benefit concert coming up for him on September 14, due to an undisclosed illness that he was recovering from.
“This special evening is about celebrating Shaun’s incredible talents and coming together as a musical community to support Shaun’s journey to recovery. Let’s make this night a symphony of hope, love, and positive energy!” the post was captioned.
Snarky Puppy confirmed his death in an Instagram post on August 4.
“Yesterday, we lost a music legend and, more importantly, a beautiful, luminous human being,” they wrote.
“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,” the band ended, along with a picture of him performing.
Shaun was also the music director for the gospel singer, Kirk Franklin.
The singer was born on August 23, 1978, in Dallas, Texas.
Shaun earned three Grammys with Snarky Puppy and four for his work with Kirk.
Shaun Martin touched so many people during his life and through the beautiful immortality of music, will continue to do so
Snarky Puppy band
His mother signed him up for piano lessons at four years old, where he learned classical music and jazz.
Shaun learned gospel music through his church.
He leaves behind his wife, Monica Wilson Martin, and son, Harlem.
‘SAD TO HEAR’
Tributes started to pour in for the singer on social media.
Snarky Puppy Band Members
The jazz band Snarky Puppy was founded in the year 2004. Throughout its journey, the band has had several members.
- Zach Brock – violin
- Chris Bullock – tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute
- Jay Jennings – trumpet, flugelhorn
- Bob Lanzetti – electric guitar
- Bill Laurance – Fender Rhodes Mark 8, Yamaha CP70, Minimoog Model D
- Michael League – electric bass, Minimoog Model D bass
- Mark Lettieri – electric guitar
- Larnell Lewis – drum set
- Mike “Maz” Maher – trumpet, flugelhorn
- Shaun Martin– talkbox, vocoder, Moog Little Phatty, Korg Kronos, Mellotron
- Chris McQueen – electric guitar
- Keita Ogawa – percussion
- Bob Reynolds – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
- Jamison Ross – drum set
- Bobby Sparks II– Hammond B3 organ, ARP String Ensemble, Minimoog Model D, Hohner D6 Clavinet
- Justin Stanton – Wurlitzer, Prophet 10, Minimoog Model D, trumpet
- Jason “JT” Thomas – drum set
- Nate Werth – percussion
- Marcelo Woloski – percussion
“Sad to hear, his spirit and joyful playing were an integral part of [Snarky Puppy’s] sound. RIP Shawn,” one Reddit user wrote.
“This is sad to hear,” said another.
“This is the worst f**king news,” wrote a third.
“Nah, man. He can’t be gone,” wrote an Instagram user.
“RIP Shaun Martin. Thanks for the music and thanks for being you,” tweeted an X user.
“Shaun Martin was such a music legend. He was one of the greatest musicians to ever exist. Man, I can’t believe he is gone. My mind is completely blown. I have no words,” said another.
ABOUT SHAUN’S MUSIC CAREER
Shaun’s musical talent has been spread throughout the industry.
He released seven albums with Snarky Puppy.
The musician also had a hand in many other artists’ albums including Bjork’s Biophila Live, all of Kirk Franklin’s, gospel singer Kurt Carr, David Crosby, and more.
Shaun won the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album twice for working on Kirk’s albums.
He also took home awards for Best Gospel Album twice as a producer with Kirk.
With Snarky Puppy, Shaun was awarded Best Contemporary Instrumental Album three times.