Biography
Jeffrey Martin is a Portland, Oregon-based singer-songwriter known for his introspective folk and americana music, growing up as the son of a preacher man in Oregon. He began playing guitar in college initially for fun, then backing open mic nights, before performing his own songs, inspired by a transformative Josh Ritter concert that ignited his passion for folk music and songwriting. After humble beginnings, he was discovered at his weekly gig at Lucky's in Eugene, Oregon, opening for David Wilcox, which jumpstarted his career with regular West Coast gigs; he released his debut album Gold in the Water in 2009.[3][7][8]
Martin initially pursued music hoping for fame but faced challenges with apathetic bar crowds and financial struggles, leading him to return to school for a teaching degree and work as a high school English teacher, which he grew to love for its energy and humility. He continued writing songs daily alongside teaching, eventually quitting to tour full-time, reflecting on the human condition through his insightful lyrics. His career has steadily built with albums and constant touring, culminating in announcements like his first live album Alive July 25, 2025, set for release in 2026.[5][7][8][9]
His musical style draws from working-class roots and folk traditions, delivering sensitive, narrative-driven songs that resonate in rust-belt and americana scenes, with a Spotify popularity of 38 in the americana genre.
Fun Facts
- Discovered at his weekly gig at Lucky's in Eugene, Oregon, like John Prine, leading to opening for David Wilcox and West Coast gigs.[3]
- Quit high school English teaching, which he loved, to pursue full-time music after years of laborious jobs and touring.[5][7][8]
- Entered a New York songwriting competition requiring in-person attendance and signing away rights, highlighting early career risks.[3]
- Portland, Oregon home base; first appeared on radars with 2009 debut Gold in the Water.[7]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Josh Ritter - key inspiration who mesmerized him at a concert, sparking lifelong love of folk music and songwriting (concert attendance leading to own performances) [college years]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs In The Daylight | 2014-08-19 | Album |
| One Go Around | 2017-10-13 | Album |
| Thank God We Left The Garden | 2023-11-03 | Album |
| Gold in the Water | 2009-06-15 | Album |
| Thank God We Left The Garden | 2023-11-03 | Album |
| Dogs in the Daylight (Expanded Edition) | 2017-05-12 | Album |
| Dogs in the Daylight (Expanded Edition) | 2017-05-12 | Album |
| Thank God We Left The Garden | 2023-11-03 | Album |
| One Go Around | 2017-10-13 | Album |
| Dogs in the Daylight | 2014-08-19 | Album |
Top Tracks
- The Middle (Dogs In The Daylight)
- Sad Blue Eyes (One Go Around)
- Down at the Bottom (Dogs In The Daylight)
- Thief and a Liar (Build a Home)
- I Know What I Know (OurVinyl Sessions) (Jeffrey Martin | OurVinyl Sessions)
- Sculptor (OurVinyl Sessions) (Jeffrey Martin | OurVinyl Sessions)
- Coal Fire (Dogs In The Daylight)
- Thrift Store Dress (One Go Around)
- Golden Thread (One Go Around)
- Garden (Thank God We Left The Garden)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Jeffrey Martin has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 14, 2025 | 22:52 | 1519 - Live at The Showdownfrom 1519 (Live at The Showdown) | What's Neww/ Duane Williams |