Gary Martin
aka “Prince of Blues” | “Mr. Motown”

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Gary Martin is an African American Canadian blues guitarist, born in Chicago, Illinois and raised among Chicago Blues royalty. A true ambassador of the blues, Martin was recently inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame as a Blues Legend. He has made music his lifelong profession, captivating audiences across North America to Europe with his dynamic performances and authentic sound.

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Gary has graced the stages of iconic events such as the International Blues Festival in Memphis, the Chicago Blues Festival, King Biscuit Blues Festival, Kitchener Blues Festival, and Toronto’s CNE, to name only a few. He was a a member of a Juno-nominated group, and has received formal recognition from Canada’s House of Commons, as well as provincial and civic honors, for his outstanding musical contributions to Canadian culture. Martin has proudly represented Western Canada in Ottawa for Black History Month, performing for the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet. Over the decades, he has received numerous awards not only for his music but also for his commitment to humanitarian efforts and social engagement.

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Widely known as Mr. Motown, a title earned through his long-standing tenure with The Funk Brothers—the legendary studio band behind the original Motown sound—Martin brings the unmistakable magic of Motown to the stage and carries The Funk Brothers  legacy forward with every performance.

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Remarkably, Martin has achieved all of this not as a recording artist, but as an extraordinary live entertainer, keeping the spirit of the blues and soul music alive, one unforgettable show at a time.