Eddie Martin

Biography

Eddie Martin, born in London and raised in Watford, began his musical journey in his early teens, influenced by folk records from his mother like Burl Ives, classic rock, and singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan. At age 15, he acquired his first guitar and started writing and performing original songs, initially blending hard rock with folk styles in a band and solo settings. His passion for blues ignited around age 16 upon discovering Freddie King and Robert Johnson, leading him to immerse himself in the Afro-American music heritage, which became the foundation of his career as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player.[1][2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Performed one-man-band residencies on Beale Street in Memphis and in Jook Joints in Clarksdale, Mississippi, after basing himself in Texas for two years on the US 'chitlin circuit'.[2][3]
• Recorded three sessions for BBC Radio 2, including at the famous Maida Vale Studios, and his songs have appeared in TV and film soundtracks.[1][3]
• Known as 'The Ambassador of British Blues' and won Best Solo/Acoustic Artist at the 2018 European Blues Awards.[5][6]
• First gig at age 16 using only two chords and his mother's poetry for lyrics.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Freddie King - Key early inspiration that shifted his focus to blues (Freddie King's 'Burglar') [age 16-17 (circa 1970s)]
• Robert Johnson - Major stylistic influence recognizing blues as foundation of Western popular music (Robert Johnson's recordings) [early career (1970s)]

Key Collaborators

• Pee Wee Ellis - Special guest and contributor to big band tours and recordings (2012 Big Band tour and album) [2012]
• John Paul Gard - Long-term keyboardist and mainstay in line-ups (Various albums and live performances) [1990s onward]
• Richie Laws - Drummer in Big Sound Trio (Band performances) [2010s]
• Paddy Milner - Pianist on anniversary album (25-Year-Anniversary Acoustic Album) [recent]
• Michael Wiedrich - Chicago-born drummer on anniversary album (25-Year-Anniversary Acoustic Album) [recent]

External Links

• Spotify