Shaun Martin, Grammy Award-winning musician who worked with Snarky Puppy and Kirk Franklin, dies at 45

DALLAS, TEXAS: Dallas musician Shaun Martin, who won the Grammy Awards seven times, died at age 45 on Saturday, August 3.

His wife announced his death via a Facebook post on Sunday, as reported by WFAA.

How did Shaun Martin die?

Shaun Martin had suffered a massive stroke in April last year. Variety reported that since then he had been under doctor’s watch.

A few months later, gospel singer and choirmaster Kirk Franklin posted on Instagram, “Those that know, know how this hits different…. This is HARLEM MARTIN, the only child of my right hand, my North Star, my musical collaborator for over 25 years @shunwun who’s still fighting for his life after a massive stroke.”

“His incredible momma @har_mony23 sent this to me and how the tears flowed. This is the last song Shaun played on for me…. We got you Shaun…. Harlem is waiting on his daddy…he’s playing every song you’re on until you get back🙏🏾💔❤️‍🩹,” he stated.

Shaun Martin’s wife expresses gratitude for love and support

Following Shaun Martin's death, his wife Monica wrote on Facebook, “It is with great sorrow to share the news of the passing of my husband, Harold Lashaun Martin. The light in our family has been dim since April 17, 2023.”

She further shared, “Since then it has been our priority to surround him with love, support, and prayer and the best medical care that could be provided. 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 unwavering love. We kindly ask for your prayers as we navigate this heartbreaking loss being felt in our home, throughout DFW, and ultimately around the world. #TeamMartin #AlwaysAllWays,” Monica added.

Martin had worked with UNT-launched jazz ensemble Snarky Puppy, which paid him tribute in an online post.

The band wrote, “Yesterday, we lost a music legend and, more importantly, a beautiful, luminous human being. Shaun Martin touched so many people during his life and through the beautiful immortality of music, will continue to do so.”

“There’s so much that can be said but words can’t do justice. Rest in peace,” they added.

Shaun Martin's music career

Shaun Martin began his musical career when he was just four years old and started to learn the piano. He then began to learn classical and jazz music before attending Weatherford College and the University of North Texas.

The musician won his first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album for his work as a producer on Kirk Franklin’s 'Hero' in 2006. He went on to win three more Grammy Awards while associating with Franklin - Best Gospel Album in 2012 ('Hello Fear'); Best Gospel Album in 2017 ('Losing My Religion'); and Best Gospel Album in 2020 ('Long Live Love'). 

He also earned three additional Grammys for his work as part of the UNT-launched jazz ensemble Snarky Puppy - Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2017 ('Culcha Vulcha'); Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2021 ('Live at the Royal Albert Hall'); and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2023 ('Empire Central').

Fans pay heartfelt tribute to Shaun Martin

Meanwhile, many people paid tribute to Shaun Martin on social media.

An Instagram user wrote, “Shaun's 'Thing of gold' keys solo saved my life. I think it's the most important solo in the jazz history. Forever. Legends. R.I.P.”

Another user said, “Oh man I was just talking about Sean Martin to a friend who is learning keys. Showed him skate u and told him ‘this organ solo is quite literally the entire reason I started learning piano’. It’s been 10+ years and I still get chills and tears when I hear him play that solo. Can’t believe this😢 feel very fortunate to have met him once🙏 he is my biggest inspiration and personal hero of mine. Prayers out to his family, friends, and bandmates.”

The third one commented, “How sad to read this!! Despite the fact that he was a great musician, connot forget his expressions while listening and seeing Cory Henry's solo on Lingus.”

“No way 😭 he was one of my biggest inspirations in learning different synth solos. RIP 🕊️,” the fourth user stated.

The fifth one shared, “Shaun not only had an incredible music voice, but was a humble and gentle soul. I remember talking to him years ago in 2014 after a set at Watermark. I don’t even know what we talked about but I will@always remember and cherish that moment. Listening to ‘Thing of Gold’ currently. RIP Shaun Martin.”

The sixth user added, “Oh my god rest in peace and my condolences to all of younand his friends and family. how horrible.”

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