David A. Martin (musician)

David A. Martin ( March 20,1937 – August 2, 1987)[1][better source needed] was a founding member and original bass player for the rock group Sam the Sham, and recorded all their early hits on MGM Records. Martin also co-wrote the group's No. 2 hit "Wooly Bully" which sold over three million records. After leaving the group in late 1965, he returned to Garland, Texas, a Dallas suburb, where he operated a television and video repair shop, located on Lavon Drive (Highway 78), until his death.

David A. Martin
BornMarch 20,1937
Dallas, Texas
OriginDallas, Texas, United States
DiedAugust 2, 1987
Garland, Texas
GenresRock and roll, rockabilly. R&B
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, singer
Instrument(s)Bass guitar
Years active1959–1966
LabelsMGM Records
Chess Records
Alta Records
Sparton Records (Canada)
Dingo Records
Various Indie labels

A native of Dallas, Texas, Martin started his musical career in 1959 with a band called Tommy & the Tom Toms, which became The Bill Smith Combo in 1960,[1] and recorded several singles for Chess Records. He also worked with Gene Summers, Freddy Fender and Scotty McKay. He was married to Jean Martin on February 17,1964 and they had one daughter, Denise. Martin died in August 1987 from a heart attack, at the age of 50.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Thedeadrockstarsclub.com – accessed November 2010