Shaun Martin

Submitted By jd0307 on Wed, 08/07/2024 - 7:19am

Shaun Martin (’01), Dallas, was a singer and keyboardist for the Grammy Award-winning American jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy, whose members include several UNT alumni, and producer for gospel singer Kirk Franklin. In high school, Martin played keyboard for Franklin and, while at UNT, he worked on R&B singer Erykah Badu’s second album. He joined Snarky Puppy after some UNT music students invited him to attend their jam session. During his career, Martin won a total of seven Grammys and released three solo gospel albums. Outside of producing and recording music, he served as minister of music at Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas. A benefit concert — featuring Badu, Snarky Puppy and alumna Norah Jones — had been planned to honor Martin and provide support as he battled an undisclosed illness. It is still scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Bruton Theatre in Dallas.

Read our 2017 profile.

Public viewing and gospel jam session will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at Disciple Central Community Church, 901 North Polk Street, Desoto. Public viewing will take place at noon and celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. Aug. 17 at Friendship-West Baptist Church, 2020 W. Wheatland Rd., Dallas. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Shaun Martin (’01), Dallas, was a singer and keyboardist for the Grammy Award-winning American jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy, whose members include several UNT alumni, and producer for gospel singer Kirk Franklin. In high school, Martin played keyboard for Franklin and, while at UNT, he worked on R&B singer Erykah Badu’s second album. He joined Snarky Puppy after some UNT music students invited him to attend their jam session. During his career, Martin won a total of seven Grammys and released three solo gospel albums. Outside of producing and recording music, he served as minister of music at Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas. A benefit concert — featuring Badu, Snarky Puppy and alumna Norah Jones — had been planned to honor Martin and provide support as he battled an undisclosed illness. It is still scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Bruton Theatre in Dallas.

Read our 2017 profile.

Public viewing and gospel jam session will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at Disciple Central Community Church, 901 North Polk Street, Desoto. Public viewing will take place at noon and celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. Aug. 17 at Friendship-West Baptist Church, 2020 W. Wheatland Rd., Dallas. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

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