Biography:

Shaun Martin (August 23, 1978 – August 3, 2024^[1]) was an American composer, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumental musician. Martin was a member of the jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy,^[2] as well as music director for Gospel music star Kirk Franklin, and former Minister of Music at Dallas’ Friendship-West Baptist Church. ^[3] Martin was awarded four Grammys for his work with Franklin and three as a member of Snarky Puppy.

He is from Dallas, Texas. Martin’s mother started him on piano lessons when he was only four years old, learning classical music and jazz.^[4][3] Through his church, he also learned gospel music.^[3] He attended Dallas’ Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts before attending Weatherford College and the University of North Texas.^[4][3][5] Martin began working with Gospel choir director Kirk Franklin while still in high school.^[5] He earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree from North Texas.^[4] While still a student at North Texas, he was involved in the production and recording of Erykah Badu‘s hit album Mama’s Gun.^[5]

Credits: