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Jimmy Martin (musician)

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki


Jimmy Martin (musician)
"My Sharona" video shoot, 2016
Background information
Birth nameGermain Léon Joseph Martin
BornLuxembourg
Years active1986-present

Jimmy Martin (born Germain Léon Joseph Martin) is a Luxembourgish singer, songwriter and producer. Early musical education was gained at the "Conservatoire de Luxembourg" (translation "Conservatory of Luxembourg"). Whilst studying at San Bernardino High School in California, he became a member of the local band "Amethyst". He launched his musical career with the single "Leaving It All Behind" in 1985. In 1987, Martin fronted France's number one english singing rock export band "FISC". He has represented Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest 1993 and has a collection of solo albums, singles and productional work including duets with renowned artists and U.S superstars Rick Springfield and Robin Beck. Also to his name, a biography entitled "Die Jimmy Martin Story" (translation "The Jimmy Martin Story").

Early life[edit]

Germain Léon Joseph Martin (artist name Jimmy Martin) was born on 2nd May 1962, in Luxembourg. From an early age Martin studied musical theory and played the Melodica and Trumpet.[1]. These were put aside and replaced by the Electric guitar. Aged 18 he moved to America[2]. He entered an exchange programme which enabled him to study in San Bernardino, California and was welcomed by the White family, who Martin continues to this day to call his "American family".

Musical career[edit]

Whilst studying in San Bernardino, Martin founded his musical direction by becoming a member of a local band called "Amethyst". He returned to Luxembourg where he joined the band "Blackout" in 1983. With Marc Wisconsin on drums, Mario di Stefano on lead guitar, Mario Thill on bass guitar and Martin himself on guitar and vocals[3], "Blackout" played various venues and festivals, including the "Mulhouse Rock Festival" with Black Sabbath, Whitesnake and Blue Öyster Cult[4]. The band dissolved as each member took a different career path.

FISC[edit]

In 1987, Martin joined the French Hard rock band "FISC" as lead vocalist with Pierre Bechet on bass guitar and vocals, Alain Aimé on lead guitar and vocals, Jean-Michel Mauffray on guitar and vocals and Dominique "Toto" Henry on drums.[5] Two albums were released entitled "Too Hot For Love" and "Handle With Care". The latter was produced by Josquin Des Pres (20th century musician) and was recorded at The Edge Studios, Los Angeles and at Circle Sound Studios, San Diego[6]. It was then mixed at NRG Recording Studios, North Hollywood, Los Angeles, by Barry Rudolph (Rod Stewart, Foreigner etc)[7]. The band toured exstensively throughout Europe and the United States. Venues included spots like "The Roxy Theatre", the "Whisky a Go Go" in L.A and the Zénith in France. FISC's last performance was in August 1990 in Metz, France[8]

Solo career[edit]

Signed to EMI Music in 1984, Martin recorded two new tracks with producer Reinhold Mack (Queen(band), Meat Loaf), known to all as "Mack" in Musicland Studios in Munich[9] [10]. Unfortunately, these tracks were not released as Martin's management left and the contract terminated with him. Motivated by having met Freddie Mercury and Meat Loaf in person, this set back would not stop him and in 1985 Martin released "Leaving It All Behind". This being his first solo single, it is a personal favorite "because it was the first time I heard one of my songs on the radio and that is naturally something special"[11]. It was swiftly voted best newcomer song by RTL. His debut album "You Get What You P(l)ay For" released by Atlantis Records the following year and was recorded in collaboration with "Jimmy Martin and The New Deal". "New Deal" included previous bandmate from "Blackout", Mario di Stefano and the new band member Klaus Gelhar. The Pop rock album was produced by Martin Turner(Wishbone Ash) and included the single "Keep On Dreaming".

In 1990, Martin recorded his first solo album "The Rhythm Of Life". Signed to Musidisc, the album featured the single "I Can't Fight Love". He worked with Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker) on this album and the duo continued to work together calling themselves "Glory,Glory"[12]. The two musicians recorded tracks with John Edwards (Status Quo) on bass, Jeff Rich (Status Quo) on drums and Don Snow (Tina Turner) on keyboards, but due to the tragic death of their manager John Sherry, their debut album was never released.

In 1992 Martin recorded "All Kanner op der Welt" (translation "All Children Of The World") in his native language Luxemburgish and a second version in French in aid of charity for the Red Cross (International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement). The single went straight to number one in the charts and was awarded gold twice.

A Christmas song, also in Luxemburgish followed. "Krëschtdag steet vrun eiser Diir" (translation "Christmas is standing in front of our door") also received a gold award and holds its traditional place every festive season on the playlists of most Luxembourgish radio stations.

Martin represented Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest under the name of "Modern Times" (Jimmy Martin, Simone Weis) in Ireland in 1993. The song, written by Martin/Hippert/Mauffray was performed in Luxembourgish and French.

Martin proudly wrote and performed the song "Martina You're In Our Hearts" when invited by the IWTP (International Women's Tennis Association) for the Luxembourg Open in 1994 to honour the tennis legend Martina Navratilova as she stepped back from professional level matches. An emotional performance for all involved which was broadcasted live on RTL television.

The solo album "Kids Of The Rockin' Nation" came in 1994, co-produced with Jean-Michel Mauffray. The album was mixed in L.A [13]and the Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, Cher...) written single "Driving Through the Pouring Rain" went to number one in the RTL charts. The album "Forever Tonight" followed, a collection of melodic songs, written at a time when Martin went through divorce.

In 1996 Martin's attorney Michael Shapiro introduced him and his co-producer Jean-Michel Mauffray to Grammy Award winning Songwriter and Producer Cliff Magness[14] (Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion) with whom they co-wrote new material in Los Angeles.

Always true to his home country, Martin wrote and performed "Sou fräi wéi de Wand" (translation "As free as the wind") for the Grand Duke of Luxembourg in 1997, celebrating the country's National Day.

At the end of the millenium, the album "Flames" was released with the single "I'm not in Love" (a 10cc cover). The album "From The Heart" was released in 2002 and presented a collection of ballads.

The Berlin years[edit]

Martin in a recording session in Berlin, 2012

In 2004, Martin met Tommy Remm, producer of Germany's best selling female pop act Jeanette. The two in collaboration with Berndt Wendland (Silbermond) produced British "Popstars: The Rivals“ winner Jamie Shaw's (One True Voice) solo debut album "Different" the following year. Working with producers Tommy Remm and Frank Kretschmer of Musigago Studios, Berlin, Martin recorded together with Grammy Award winner Rick Springfield ( "Love Somebody (Rick Springfield song)", "Jessie's Girl") a new version of Springfield's smash hit single of 1984 "Love Somebody". The duet from Martin and Springfield was released in 2006 and both the song and the accompanying video were recorded between Berlin and L.A. This production was a personal highlight for Martin's career as Martin considers Springfield as a mentor[15][16]. The single stormed the RTL charts and stayed at number one for many weeks. The video to the single was in the Hit 24 video playlists for over six months.

Martin having a fan base in Germany, Switzerland and the Benelux, now felt it was time to deliver a song in German and so "Für Dich" was released in 2009. It seems that the fans preferred Martin's songs in English as the song didn't perform in the charts.

During studio sessions, the younger studio team liked to listen to Martin's stories about the hay days of rock and roll in L.A and so the idea came for the 2011 release of Martin's biography "Die Jimmy Martin Story" written by Frederick Reischl and published by Éditions Saint-Paul.[17]

Two years later "Wild At Heart" was first released on the Japanese market[18] [19] and then in Europe. It included the single and video "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" which hit number two in the "Eurovision on Top" charts and also the single "Break Free" which featured on Germany's "Rocks" magazine cd hit compilation[20]. One of his most successful works, this album found "the balancing act between AOR music and real earthy rock music"[21]. Of the album, Martin has commented "I was and am musically Wild At Heart!" [22].

The single "Superhero" was released in 2014 and just in time for Christmas, another memorable collaboration, a duet ballad entitled "I wish You Here For Christmas" with female U.S singer Robin Beck ("First Time")[23]. Martin said Beck has "the best female voice in Rock music and puts an incredible amount of passion and feeling into her singing"[24]

In 2016 came Martin's next single release, a cover version of "My Sharona", originally recorded by The Knack. This version brings a modern twist with an added rap section with guest rapper Tony Corleone and went to number one in the EOT (Eurovision On Top) charts on October 9th, 2016 and stayed in the EOT charts in the top 25 for a run of 42 weeks in total. In the same month the album "Berlin" was released and is a compilation of hits that were produced and recorded in Berlin, hence the title.

Voted in at second place in the official EOT Awards 2017, Martin was nominated for their "Male Singer of the Year" award.

In 2019, the single "Flames" was released, a duet with Maria Kissimov. This collaboration went on to see the release of "Miles Away" in 2020, a cover version of the original from Winger (band). The album "The Singles" followed shortly afterwards.

A self acclaimed workaholic[25], Martin consistently returns to the studio to produce for other artists whilst maintaining a steady output of personal works.

Discography[edit]

Albums with band New Deal[edit]

  • You Get What You P(l)ay For (1986)
  • You Get What You P(l)ay For (Re-release) (1990)

Albums with FISC[edit]

  • Too Hot For Love (1987)
  • Handle With Care (1988)

Solo singles[edit]

  • Leaving It All Behind/Love Never Dies (1985)
  • I Can't Fight Love (1990)
  • All Kanner op der Welt (Charity Single for Red Cross) (1992)
  • Krëschtdag steet vrun Eiser Dir (1992)
  • Donne Moi Une Chance (ESC entry under the name of Modern Times) (1993)
  • Drivin' Through the Pourin' Rain (1994)
  • Martina, You're in Our Hearts (Song for Martina Navratilova) (1994)
  • Gëf net op (EU Rock, music made in Europe compilation.) (1998)
  • I'm Not In Love (2000)
  • Love Somebody (duet with Rick Springfield) (2006)
  • Für Dich (2009)
  • Love Don't Live Here Anymore (2013)
  • I Wish You Here for Christmas (duet with Robin Beck) (2014)
  • Super Hero (2014)
  • My Sharona (2016)
  • 25th Anniversary Edition: All Kanner op der Welt/Laissez faire les enfants (2017)
  • Flames (duet with Maria Kissimov) (2019)
  • Miles Away (duet with Maria Kissimov) (2020)

Solo albums[edit]

  • The Rhythm Of Life (1990)
  • Kids Of The Rocking Nation (1994)
  • The Best of Jimmy Martin (1995)
  • Forever Tonight (1996)
  • Flames (2000)
  • From The Heart (2002)
  • Wild At Heart (2013)
  • Berlin (2016)
  • The Singles (2020)

Catalogue of books[edit]

Biography[edit]

  • Reischl, Frederick, 2011, Die Jimmy Martin Story, Éditions St. Paul, 183 S., ISBN 978-2-87963-829-4

Other[edit]

  • Haas, Luke, 1988, Lëtzebuerger Rocklexikon, Éditions Phi, 190 S., ISBN 3-88865-064-X
  • Haas, Luke, 1995, Lëtzebuerger Rocklexikon II (1987-1994), Éditions REVUE s.a., 176 S., ISBN 2-919999-03-6
  • Kortum, Yves & Laroche, Marc, 2010, Ech si Lëtzebuerg, Éditions Kortum/Laroche, 84 S., ISBN 978-99959-673-0-7

Personal life[edit]

Martin met his first wife Danièle Wagner in 1988[26] and they married in the U.S.A[27], but six years later they seperated and divorce ensued. In 2003, he married Samantha Ward[28] of british origin[29]. The couple live in Luxembourg with their Maine Coon cat[30]. Martin loves animals and such is his love for his Maine Coon cats of past and present, their initials can be found tattooed on his right arm. The U.S.A remains a regular destination for Martin, staying close to heart for both musical and personal reasons. Always returning to his roots in Luxembourg, Martin says his home country is "mäin Fiels an der Brandung"[31] ("my rock in the surf").

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Reischl, Frederick (2011). Die Jimmy Martin Story [The Jimmy Martin Story] (in German). Text accompanying photos, opp. p.80: Editions Saint-Paul. p. 184. ISBN 978-2-87963-829-4.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  2. ↑ "Jimmy Martin". Chartboxx (in Luxembourgish).CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  3. ↑ Haas, Luke (1995). Rock Lexikon II 1987-1994 [Rock Dictionary II 1987-1994] (in German). Revue s.a. p. 75. ISBN 2-919999-03-6.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  4. ↑ "Jimmy Martin Rock 'n' Roll Exilant". Rock It! (in German). p.35: Rock It! Gerald Siebenmorgan. November–December 2013.CS1 maint: Date format (link) CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  5. ↑ Reischl, Frederick (2011). Die Jimmy Martin Story [The Jimmy Martin Story] (in German). p.67: Editions Saint-Paul. p. 184. ISBN 978-2-87963-829-4.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  6. ↑ "Encyclopaedia Metallum". The Metal Archives. additional notes. 2020-10-06.
  7. ↑ Reischl, Frederick (2011). Die Jimmy Martin Story [The Jimmy Martin Story] (in German). pg.81: Editions Saint-Paul. p. 184. ISBN 978-2-87963-829-4.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  8. ↑ Reischl, Frederick (2011). Die Jimmy Martin Story [The Jimmy Martin Story] (in German). p.106: Editions Saint-Paul. p. 184. ISBN 978-2-87963-829-4.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  9. ↑ Reischl, Frederick (2011). Die Jimmy Martin Story [The Jimmy Martin Story] (in German). pg.38: Editions Saint-Paul. p. 184. ISBN 978-2-87963-829-4.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  10. ↑ Haas, Luke (1995). Rock Lexikon II 1987-1994 [Rock Dictionary II 1987-1994] (in German). Revue s.a. p. 76. ISBN 2-919999-03-6.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  11. ↑ Heintz, Liz (2020-12-22). "Neien Album Jimmy Martiin" [New Album Jimmy Martin]. RTL (in Luxembourgish). Retrieved 2021-04-18. ...Well dat ass déi éischte Kéier wou ech e Lidd vu mir um Radio héieren hunn an dat ass natierlech eppes ganz Spezielles...CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  12. ↑ Reischl, Frederick (2011). Die Jimmy Martin Story [The Jimmy Martin Story] (in German). p.179: Editions Saint-Paul. p. 184. ISBN 978-2-87963-829-4.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  13. ↑ Haas, Luke (1995). Rock Lexikon II 1987-1994 [Rock Dictionary II 1987-1994] (in German). Revue s.a. p. 77. ISBN 2-919999-03-6.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  14. ↑ "Jimmy Martin". Melodic-Hardrock.
  15. ↑ Seil, Gabrielle (2021-02-10). "Picked Out". Revue (in German). No. 6. p.38: Editions Revue s.a.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  16. ↑ "Mit Geigen und Trompeten" [With violins and trumpets]. Rocks (in German). No. 39. p.14: Rocks Media Verlag e.K. February 2014.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  17. ↑ Seil, Gabrielle (2011-11-07). "Sex, Drugs & Rock'n'Roll". Revue (in German). No. 49. p.80: Editions Revue s.a.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  18. ↑ "Luxembourg: new album for Jimmy Martin". ESCtoday.
  19. ↑ "Disc Review". Burrn! The world's heaviest heavy metal magazine (in Japanese). No. 10/2013. p.153: Burrn! Corporation.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  20. ↑ "Der Soundtrack" [The Soundtrack]. Rocks, Das Magazin für Classic Rock (in German). p.66: Rocks Media Verlag e.K. June 2013.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  21. ↑ "Auf die Ohren" [On the ears]. Break Out (in German). p.33: Break Out, Michael Möller. May 2013.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  22. ↑ "Wildes Rocker-Herz" [Wild Rocker Heart]. Telecran (in German). p.120: Editions St Paul. 2013-12-07.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  23. ↑ L'essentiel (12 December 2014). "Jimmy et Robin s'allient pour un Noël en rythme" [Jimmy and Robin join forces for a rhythmic Christmas] (in French) (1655). p.10: Edita SA.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  24. ↑ Guérich, Reiner. "Jimmy Martin". in Hard (in German). No. 83/2014. p.5: in Hard. hat die beste weibliche Stimme in der Rockmusic und legt in ihren unglaublich viel Leidenschaft und GefühlCS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  25. ↑ "Sensibler Rocker" [Sensitive Rocker]. Hardline (in German). No. 23. p.11: Hardline Verlag.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  26. ↑ Reischl, Frederick (2011). Die Jimmy Martin Story [The Jimmy Martin Story] (in German). p.149: Editions Saint-Paul. p. 184. ISBN 978-2-87963-829-4.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
  27. ↑ "Jimmy Martin in the USA". Revue (in German). p.52: Editions Revue S.A. 1991-05-22.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  28. ↑ Birgit-Pfaus-Ravida (2018-03-31). "Wer Wohnt Denn Da?" [Who lives there then?]. Wortex (in German). p.26: Saint-Paul Luxembourg.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  29. ↑ Birgit-Pfaus-Ravida (2018-03-31). "Wer Wohnt Denn Da?" [Who lives there then?]. Wortex (in German). p.28: Saint-Paul Luxembourg.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  30. ↑ Birgit-Pfaus-Ravida (2018-03-31). "Wer Wohnt Denn Da?" [Who lives there then?]. Wortex (in German). p.26: Saint-Paul Luxembourg.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link)
  31. ↑ Kortum & Laroche (2010). Ech si Lëtzebuerg. Editions Kortum/Laroche. p. 84. ISBN 978-99959-673-0-7. Search this book on

External links[edit]


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