Celebrating Shaun Martin — in Memoriam — 1978-2024

Posts and re-posts about Shaun Martin:

I silently reposted this Snarky Puppy post yesterday – I was too shocked and saddened to write anything more at the moment. Now, after some time to reflect, I can write my thoughts and my heartfelt feelings...

I first learned about the amazing and legendary musician Shaun Martin over a decade ago when I was first introduced to Snarky Puppy and Michael League. Shaun's casual yet amazingly intense synth solo on the Thing of Gold video (while chewing on a toothpick) made an instant impact on me.

Then I saw Shaun in most of the other Snarky Puppy videos, including the BTS documentaries. Some of my favorite Shaun Martin moments:

Shaun’s legendary reaction on video to Cory Henry’s legendary solo on the Lingus video (now up to 35 Million views on YouTube :-O)

Shaun tipping Larnell Lewis (literally putting dollar bills on the drum head of Larnell’s floor tom) after Larnell’s legendary drum solo on What About Me video, and Shaun's associated BTS documentary quote “…and then Larnell flew into the recording and PLAYED. HIS. TAIL. OFF. – GOOD LORD :-O”

Michael League saying to Shaun after a video recording, “I want to meet your parents” :-)

The first time I met Shaun Martin in person was during the recording of Snarky Puppy Family Dinner vol. 2 in New Orleans (Feb 2015). His in-person presence was always charming and engaging – filled with joy and similar to his magnetic stage presence – always a fan favorite through countless live performances that I have seen him in through the years.

The Shaun Martin Late Night Go Go Party sets at the GroundUP Music Festivals through the years have always been epic peak highlights for me.

At the GroundUP Music Festival February 2020, Shaun had finished his late night Go Go Party set. At the end, he had the audience all exit through the same door in a single file line so that he could greet them, hug them, high-five them, etc. while simultaneously dancing and repeating the Notorious B.I.G. lyrics that he had just performed on stage…

“…and party, and bullshit, and party, and bullshit…” :-)

Even though he was probably exhausted beyond words at 3AM, he graciously posed with me for this selfie that I will cherish forever, along with the music and the legacy of Shaun Martin.

The world will never be the same without him, but we will always celebrate him. Forever.

Thank you, Snarky Puppy, for presenting Shaun Martin to so many of us. Shaun Martin is immortal, and “luminous” is the perfect term for Shaun according to Yoda.