Shaun Martin, Grammy-Winning Musician Known for His Work With Snarky Puppy, Kirk Franklin and Erykah Badu, Dies at 45
variety.comChris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Shaun Martin, a multiple Grammy winner best known as a keyboard player for the jazz fusion group Snarky Puppy and a three-decade collaborator of gospel star Kirk Franklin, died Saturday at age 45.
Martin had been under constant medical supervision since suffering a massive stroke in April 2023. In November, Franklin had posted a tribute hoping for Martin’s recovery against difficult odds, saying the musician was still “fighting for his life” and describing him at the time as “my right hand, my North Star, my musical collaborator for over 25 years.” Martin was also known for helping write and produce Erykah Badu‘s sophomore album, “Mama’s Gun,” as well as for being a member of Chaka Khan’s backing band, not to mention his role as a minister of music in one of Texas’ biggest churches.
Badu was one of a number of artists who had recently been announced to perform at a benefit tribute to Martin in Dallas on Sept.
14, along with Robert Glasper, Norah Jones and others. Martin won four Grammys for his work with Franklin, in the best gospel album and contemporary R&B gospel album categories.
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