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What's happening in the world of Gary Martin, Prince of Blues
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Single and Video "the Real Thang"
now released
I would like to thank everyone for your support and inspiration as I embarked on my recent musical journey.
"The Real Thang" is a heartfelt project that reflects the rich heritage of Chicago's blues. Special thanks to Tomiko Dixon, Peter Hurley, and Larry Williams for their encouragement and guidance in allowing me to record and release my first single.
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"the Real Thang" was written by the granddaughter of the Legendary Willie Dixon, Tomiko Dixon, a Chicago singer, songwriter, recording artist, producer, philanthropist, and a member of the Grammys along with Peter Hurley.
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Peter is known as "Chicago Degas", Chicago based artist, muralist, master photographer of the Blues, and a contributing photographer and writer for Living Blues Magazine.
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And not to be forgotten, Larry Williams, a highly respected blues and funk bassist.
Larry is consider a master of the groove and his widely known for his work with the Mike Wheeler Band in Chicago.
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Special thanks to Don Marcotte for an outstanding video.
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Introducing..."Legendary Link"
​A Historic New Blog Series by Gary Martin, the Prince of Blues
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For more than 50 years, Gary Martin — Chicago-born guitarist, international performer, and the Prince of Blues — has walked a path few artists have ever traveled. His journey has placed him shoulder-to-shoulder with over 150 of the most influential legends in jazz, blues, R&B, soul, funk and Motown.
Some taught him.
Some mentored him.
Some shared the stage with him.
All became part of his story.
Now, for the first time ever, Gary is opening the vault.
Legendary Link is a new, ongoing blog series revealing the real stories, rare memories, and musical wisdom passed down to Gary by the icons who shaped America’s soundtrack. From the blues masters of Chicago’s West Side to Motown royalty, jazz innovators, soul pioneers, and global trailblazers—Gary will tell the stories only someone who was there could tell.
This is not history from the outside.
It’s history from the inside.
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Each installment will highlight one legend — their music, their impact, and Gary’s personal connection — showing how their influence helped forge the artistry that earned him his Chicago-given title: the Prince of Blues.
This series is more than storytelling.
It’s a living archive of America’s greatest music traditions, preserved by an artist who has spent a lifetime carrying those torches forward.
Follow the Legendary Link.
Discover the legacy behind the legend.
