David Martin was born and raised in Coshocton, Ohio. The youngest of six, he grew up in classic midwestern style: mom's home cooking, dirt bikes, Bid Whist and, of course, church. His reputation as a singer was established in the St. Andrews AME choir. Oldtimers fondly remember young David's rendition of "The Milky White Way" moving them to tears.
David's father Grady was strict but his heart shone through in his love of music. As David recalls, "My first introduction to pop music was listening to my dad's records on the weekends. He had excellent taste and variety in music - stuff like Jimmy Smith, Mahalia Jackson, Lou Rawls - Tobacco Road and Johnny Taylor."
In high school, David organized his first band, 'Sweet Justice' with fellow student, the talented vocalist Mary 'Vesta' Williams. He starred in many school musicals, including 'Oklahoma', 'Where's Charlie?', and 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Phorum'. But is was his unforgettable role as John the Baptist in the musical 'Godspell' that earned him the highest praise.
David continued his studies in musical performance throughout his college years at Central State College in Xenia, Ohio before heading out west to pursue his dream of a career in music.
In the early 80's, David teamed up with singer-songwriter Tyrone "Master T" Williams of the West Marin Band 'One Nation' which at one time or another included guitarist Jorgan Kannwisher, Diane Dutra, and Liam Mulholland. 'One Nation' took Marin by storm with their edgy original music written and performed by David and Tyrone. The tireless band was duly awarded the coveted "Rhythm Method Award" from 19 Broadway Club for "the beat that goes on and on".
David continued to entertain audiences and around the San Francisco Bay Area with bands like Colorblind, The Marin Allstars, and The Green Wave, playing at classic local clubs like New Georges, 19 Broadway, Fourth Street Tavern and The Sweetwater.
In 1991, David moved to Solano County and formed the new 'One Nation', this time featuring Kirk McNaught AKA "Wave" of Marin, plus Vallejo veterans Danny Thomas of Con Funk Shun fame, Ron Perry currently performing with Susan Tedeschi, Michael Clark and the lovely Lady Lynell.
During the OJ Simpson trial, David wrote and produced a rap single entitled Did You Do It OJ?. The song tells the OJ saga from both points of view, a refreshing perspective much lacking in so much of the material of that time. David received a great deal of local airplay, most notably on KGO radio with ace reporter RJ Peruman. David and Classe Productions Owner, Carolyn Sims brazenly distributed CDs on the steps of the LA Courthouse and even slipped one directly into the hands of defense main man, Johnny Cochrane.
In addition to singing, David has also worked as an emcee for various events including the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, one of California's premiere reggae festivals.
He last band before going solo was as lead vocalist and bad-ass conga player for Solano's "Real Impostors". David was joined by Dwight Cotten on keys (who will also give you a great deal on all your real estate needs), Mike Jacobs on Sax, Ralph Settembrino on guitar, Rod Verette on bass, and Leo Vigil on drums. pumping up the Solano crowds with his signature versions of "Hot In Hear", "Sweet Home Alabama", "Still A Young Man" and other favorites.
In September 2004, David wrapped up production of his new album, "King David's Throne" with Producer Jimi Fischer of Marin. "Anyway", the first featured single, received tremendous airplay nationwide and even secured a coveted spot on Radio and Records CHR/Top 40 indicator chart. The music video for "Anyway", directed by filmmaker AW Feidler and featuring David Perry, is now streaming on our "Anyway" song and video page. A "King David's Throne" CD release party was held in October at Choices in Benicia.
In the wake of the Anyway's chart status, Martel Records released the follow-up single, "Chillin'," produced and arranged by Rankin' Scroo, Urban Reggae Godfada. Rankin produced the single at his Crucial Youth Production Studios, Oakland, California. The song received national airplay and was been listed on Radio and Records "most increased spins" for five weeks in a row.
For his Fall-Winter 2004 tour, David put together the "mazarati of touring bands", featuring Gigi Gonaway (Mariah Carey) on drums, guitarist Biambu Garrett, Jimi Fischer (Temptations, Steve Winwood) on bass, Reggae keyboardist Ryan Daisley and B3 wizard Geoff Palmer (Sons of Champlin), and back-up vacalists, Joy King and Bridgett Marie. Rankin Scroo and Chilean Dub artist extraordinaire, Red-I joined David center stage . Their energetic shows wowed 'em up and down California and throughout the southwest.
David is currently back in the rehearsal studio getting ready for spring and summer festival and club dates. "King David's Throne" has established a steady Bay Area store and internet retail presence. Back in Ohio, his three brothers, Lee, Anthony and Grady Martin are heading up the midwestern promotions campaign.
Check the PRESS PAGE and BULLETIN BOARD for updates.
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