ABOUT
Music for the Soul
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kenny Neal and his family for their incredible contributions to my first album. Their talent in performing and producing songs made this project truly special. A mention goes to Kenny's Baton Rouge Studio, where the magic happened, and for the generous opportunity to use B.B. King's guitar, a cherished gift after his passing.
Your support means the world to me!
My Story
Gary Martin, a 2024 inductee into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, is a master showman and rhythm guitarist whose electrifying performances have captivated audiences for decades. Born in Chicago with deep Mississippi roots, Gary was mentored from a young age by blues legends including his uncle Hubert Sumlin and Howlin’ Wolf. By age 14, he was fronting his own band, sharing stages with icons.
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Known as the “Prince of Blues,” Gary blends passion, authenticity, and showmanship into a distinctive style that fuses blues, jazz, soul, and rhythm & blues. His powerful guitar rhythms and soulful vocals create performances that are both dynamic and deeply moving. Miles Davis once remarked, “Gary will be a man of all seasons because of all the styles he is mastering.”
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Beyond the stage, Gary is a dedicated mentor and community advocate, using his platform to support at-risk youth and promote the blues tradition.
Whether performing in intimate clubs or on international stages, Gary Martin delivers unforgettable experiences that make audiences dance, sing, laugh, and cry. He is the embodiment of authentic Chicago blues—a sharp-dressed, foot-stomping, guitar-picking powerhouse of motion.
Performances
FESTIVALS
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Chicago International Blues
Memphis International Blues
King Biscuit Blues
Calgary Blues
Edmonton Blues
Regina Exhibition
Sasktel International Jazz
Kimberley Summerfest
Calgary Folk
St. Albert Rock 'n Roll
Calgary Jazz
Prince Albert Winter
Carifest
All Africadey
Saskatoon Fringe
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ORGANIZATIONS
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US & Canadian Armed Forces
Grey Cup Festivities
US Embassy & Consulates
Alberta Children's Hospital
Boys & Girls Clubs
Legion/Elks/Knigh of Columbus/Lions
Children's Wish Foundations
Black History Organizations
Universities/Colleges/Schools
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CASINOS
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Grey Eagle - Calgary
Palace - Edmonton
DeerFoot - Calgary
Ace - Calgary
Cash - Calgary
Yorkton
Carlyle
Prince Albert
Regina
Red Deer Resort
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CORPORATIONS & CIVIC
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Colt Engineering
Bantrel
Alberta Hotel & Restaurant Association
Calgary Exhibition Association
Chamber of Commerce - various cities
Mayoral Events - various cities
Presidential Balls - various cities
Saskatoon Exhibition Association
Veterans Association
Army Navy Airforce
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CONCERT
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Chicago Regal Theatre
Grant Park Chicago
Detroit Cobo Area (Joe Lewis)
CN Tower Toronto
Winspear Edmonton
Jack Singer Calgary
Victoria Park London
Masonic Temple Toronto
Jubilee Auditorium Calgary
Stampede BMO Centre Calgary
Vancouver Civic Auditorium
London Symphony Orchestra
Toronto Ontario Place
88 Olympics
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CLUBS
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Buddy Guy's Legends
Kingston Mines
Red's
Playboy Mansion
Ramada Hotels
Sandman Hotels
Ranchman's
King Eddy
Blues on Whyte
Bakers Keyboard
Kaos
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House of Rising Sun
Sheridan Triumph
Four Brothers
Beanos
Dodo's
Club de Jazz
El Macombo
Buds on Broadway
House of Blues
Rose 'n Crown
Continental Treats
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Just a sampling of clubs across North America
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Press
Over the years, Gary has received media coverage in Living Blues, I'm Here With magzines, newspapers over multiple cities and times captioned as "True Blues Tradition", "Blue Energy", "Legendary Link", "Blues-God's Gift", "Deep Roots in Blues", "A Genuine Piece of Blues History", "Awards Connect Calgay's Best Bluesman to Chicago", "Gary Martin - A Player", "Blues Groove", "Bluesman will have Willy Jumpin'", "Blues 101", "Blues Band hits the Hat",
"Chicago Blues at Home Here", "Heavenly Blues Band to Shine on Kimberley", "Dancing Shoes Required", "The Funk Brothers Keep Motown Alive", Calgary Guitarist Pens Tune for President Obama", "Celestial Musician has way of uplifting your spirit", etc.
TV/Radio/Studio
Gary Martin is a seasoned session player, having collaborated with Grammy and Juno award-winning artists in studios across North America. With a wealth of experience, he has also hosted longest-running Blues program on television in Canada, showcasing his passion for the genre. Recently, Gary's latest single "the Real Thang" has made waves, securing a in the Top 10 programming on Blues Music Television. His music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences.
Martin has performed on a movie and written and performed music for a documentary currently being edited for release.
