Shaun Martin, a member of the Grammy-winning jazz fusion group Snarky Puppy, has died at the age of 45.
The band announced Martin’s passing in a statement posted to their X account on Sunday, alongside a photo of the musician taking the stage.
“Yesterday we lost a music legend and more importantly a beautiful and luminous human being. Shaun Martin touched so many people during his lifetime and through the beautiful immortality of music he will continue to do so. There is so much that can be said but words cannot do him justice. May he rest in peace,” the statement read.
Martin was the singer and keyboardist for the group, which last year received its fifth Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Empire Central.
Although the cause of his death is unknown, the musician had been suffering from an undisclosed illness for more than a year.
Shaun Martin, member of the Grammy Award-winning jazz fusion group Snarky Puppy, has died at the age of 45
His wife, Monica Wilson Martin, also shared the heartbreaking news with her followers.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of my husband, Harold Lashaun Martin,” she posted on Instagram. “The light in our family has been dimmed since April 17, 2023. Since then, our priority has been to surround him with love, support, prayer, and the best medical care possible. At this point, God has spoken and we must accept His will.
“Thank you to our family and friends who continue to surround us with their unwavering love. We ask for your prayers as we go through this painful loss that we feel at home, throughout DFW, and ultimately around the world. #teammartin #alwaysalways.”
Prior to her death, a benefit concert in her honor had been scheduled for September. Erykah Badu and Norah Jones were among the artists scheduled to perform at the concert.
A post advertising the concert on his account last week read: “This special evening is all about celebrating Shaun’s incredible talent and coming together as a music community to support his road to recovery. Let’s make this evening a symphony of hope, love and positive energy!”
The event was scheduled to benefit the costs associated with caring for Martin amid his health battle, according to Dallas Observer.
To this day, the event still takes place at the Bruton Theatre in Dallas, reports the placeTickets are still available for the concert.
Badu, who is among the many musicians set to perform, has previously collaborated with Martin.
Prior to his death, a benefit concert for Martin had been scheduled for September. Erykah Badu and Norah Jones were among the artists scheduled to perform at the concert; Martin pictured, February 2023
Martin was still studying at the University of North Texas when he contributed to her 2000 album, Mama’s Gun.
Martin is an accomplished musician and has won seven Grammy Awards, three of which were with Snarky Puppy and four as part of his recordings with gospel singer Kirk Franklin.
Martin has released numerous albums in collaboration with many musicians. On his own, Martin has also released three gospel albums: 7 Summers, Focus and Three-O.
Martin was just four years old when he started playing music, according to The Dallas Observer.
Martin was the singer and keyboardist for the group, which last year received its fifth Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Empire Central (Snarky Puppy pictured performing in 2019)
Over time he became an expert on the clarinet, piano, drums, keyboard and Minimoog.
In addition to his wife, Martin is survived by his son Harlem.
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