Skip Martin is a Grammy & Emmy Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and author, best known for his tenure as a lead singer and trumpeter for two legendary groups, Kool & the Gang and The Dazz Band. In May 2023, Skip was honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the President in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the community.

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His achievements include Platinum & Gold Record recipient, R&B Song of the Year, six consecutive Top 100 albums, two Top 100 singles, to name a few.

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Mr. Martin has also received an Honorary Degree of Doctor in Music, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Artists Music Guild, Certificates of Appreciation for his numerous tours to Iraq and Kuwait and is a Special Honorary Member of the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. Skip is Goodwill Ambassador to both Kakegawa City and Okinawa in Japan. This is the very first time a resident of a foreign country has received this honor in Okinawa. 

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​You probably cross paths with Skip on a regular basis and don’t even know it! Aside from over 60 CD’s recorded, other highlights include Justin Timberlake’s sampling of The Dazz Band’s “Let It Whip” in a remix version of his 2003 hit “Cry Me a River,” this was also covered by Boyz II Men and SR-71 on The New Guy soundtrack.

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Film music credits include Air (2023), Big George Foreman (2023), M3GAN (2023), The First Purge (2019), Almost Christmas (2016), Pitch Perfect (2012), Adventures of Power (2008), Next Friday (2000), Grosse Point Blank (1997) and Pulp Fiction (1994). “Let It Whip” is also featured in various video games including Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and plays during the "Aww Snap!" round of the NBC game show Ellen's Game of Games

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Skip's “Love Notes” CD features eclectic collaborations with 10-time Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval, 13-time Grammy Nominee Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra, Stefan Maier, lead violinist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Rocco Prestia of Tower of Power & Balaguer Urbanistic!

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His first children’s book, 'Morgan The Clydesdale Pony', inspired by Skip’s own experience at the Kentucky Derby, is an epic story about the dreams of a young Clydesdale pony hoping to race in the Derby. The book promotes self-esteem, goal setting and never giving up on one’s dream. 

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He is a co-writer on the track “You’re Da One For Me” for Tower of Power’s "Step Up" CD as well as recorded 2 songs on Spyro Gyra’s CD 'Vinyl Tap'.

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With his Emmy-winning project, "People Get Ready", Skip leads a passionate campaign to support the children of St. Jude and their families affected by COVID-19. With the collaboration of 28 major recording artists, including Stevie Wonder, Taylor Dayne, Neal McCoy, Ray Parker Jr., John Elefante, Kevin Chalfant, Doug E Fresh, Robert Kool Bell, and Pastor John P Kee, Skip aims to make a lasting impact.

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Skip's latest project, Tom’s Diner, is a Smooth Jazz album that celebrates timeless songwriting with Skip's signature love of melody and his 'first voice'—the trumpet. The album features stellar contributions from guitarist Marlon McClain, whose distinctive playing shines on the title track, as well as Tom Schuman (Spyro Gyra) on “Summer” a nod to Kool & the Gang’s “Summer Madness, and the late Wayman Tisdale on the track "Are You Ready".

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His music is available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and other streaming platforms.

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