Keith Martin (musician) facts for kids

Keith Eric Martin (born September 22, 1966 – died March 25, 2022) was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and music producer. He was famous for creating and singing romantic love songs.

Keith Martin's Music Journey

Starting Out in Music

Keith Martin was the second of three children. As he grew up, he loved listening to music from artists like the Jackson 5, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. He was also inspired by jazz and gospel music.

Keith started playing instruments and singing when he was just 10 years old. He learned to play the piano, bass guitar, and drums. By the time he was nineteen, he began writing his own songs.

In the late 1980s, Keith was a popular artist in his local area. He was friends with other musicians like Johnny Gill and Stacy Lattisaw. He was also part of a music group called Masquerade.

Moving to California

A music manager named Louis A. McCall, Sr. signed Keith Martin to his company. Louis and his wife, Linda Lou McCall, helped Keith. Linda Lou McCall also worked with the famous rapper MC Hammer.

Linda and Louis helped Keith join MC Hammer's world tours. This allowed Keith to travel and see how big music tours worked. When the McCalls moved to Los Angeles in 1990, Keith followed them. This move helped him work with famous producers and songwriters.

Releasing His First Album

Keith Martin signed with Ruffhouse/Columbia Sony Records. His manager, Adrian Taylor, helped him get this deal. Keith's friend, Johnny Gill, also supported him.

In 1995, Keith released his first album, It's Long Overdue. One of his most popular songs, "Never Find Someone Like You," was on this album. This song was also featured in the movie Bad Boys soundtrack. The soundtrack sold over a million copies!

"Never Find Someone Like You" became a hit, reaching No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His album It's Long Overdue also did well, reaching No. 82 on the R&B Albums chart.

For the next ten years, Keith stayed very busy. He produced music, wrote songs, and released more albums. This helped him gain many fans around the world. His song "Because of You" is still a favorite in the US and Asia.

Life in the Philippines

In 2004, a record company called EMI Philippines noticed Keith. They hired him as a producer in Manila, Philippines. He worked on music for artists in the Philippines and Indonesia.

He worked with Filipino singers like Kyla and Gary V.. He also collaborated with Indonesian artist Agnes Monica.

Later Years and New Music

In 2009, Keith returned from the Philippines. He continued to work on music projects. In 2010, he released a new album called This Road. It included the song "You Are My Life," which became a popular song for weddings.

Keith also wrote and produced songs for other artists. In 2011, he worked with Australian singer Ron Kingston. They even made an animated music video for their duet "My Friend." Keith also recorded songs with artists from Indonesia and Singapore.

In 2013, Keith released another album, The Vision, which was available online. In 2018, he released a new single called "Return to Me."

His Passing

On March 25, 2022, Keith Martin was found dead in his home in Quezon City, Philippines. Neighbors became worried and alerted the building manager. He was 55 years old. It was later determined that he died from a heart attack. His last public appearance was at a wedding on March 12, 2022.

Discography

Albums

• 1995: It's Long Overdue (US album)
• 2003: All the Hits (US album)
• 2004: Love of My Life (Filipino album)
• 2004: Validated (US album)
• 2005: I'm Not Alone (Filipino album)
• 2007: Let Me Take Control (Filipino album)
• 2010: This Road (Filipino album)
• 2013: The Vision (Filipino album)

Singles

• 1995: "Never Find Someone Like You"
• 1995: "Moment in Time"
• 2004: "Because of You"
• 2004: "Love of My Life"
• 2004: "Coming Home"
• 2004: "Whateva U Need"
• 2005: "I Don't Wanna Think About It"
• 2007: "Lady"
• 2009: "California 1"
• 2012: "You Are My Life"
• 2018: "Return to Me"