Brad Martin, a country singer and songwriter who had a hit single with “Before I Knew Better” in 2002, has died at the age of 48. His death was confirmed by his friend and musical partner John Ramey, who posted a tribute on Facebook on March 12. The cause of death has not been officially announced, but Martin’s sister revealed that he had suffered a work-related injury that aggravated his existing health problems.
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Who was Brad Martin?
Brad Martin was born in Ohio and grew up listening to country music legends like George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings. He learned to play guitar at an early age and moved to Nashville in his mid-20s to pursue his musical career. He signed with Epic Records in 2000 and released his debut album, Wings of a Honky-Tonk Angel, in 2002. The album reached No. 34 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and spawned three singles: “Rub Me the Right Way”, “Just Like Love”, and “Before I Knew Better”, which peaked at No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
Martin was praised for his traditional country sound and his smooth vocals. He toured with artists like Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, and Trace Adkins. He also wrote songs for other singers, such as Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence, and Clay Walker. In 2008, he formed a duo with John Ramey called Martin Ramey. They released an album, The Auction, in 2010 and had a minor hit with “Twisted”.
What happened to Brad Martin?
According to his sister, Melissa Lea Hobbs, Brad Martin had been struggling with health issues for a long time. She wrote on a fundraising page that he had “an already existing health crisis” that was worsened by “a work-related injury” in January 2022. She said that he had “suffered severe internal damage causing hemorrhaging, along with a multitude of other life-threatening issues with his liver”. She did not specify the nature of the injury or the health crisis.
Hobbs said that Martin had been hospitalized several times and had undergone multiple surgeries. She said that he was unable to work or perform and that he needed financial help to cover his medical bills and living expenses. She also asked for prayers and support for her brother and his family.
On March 12, John Ramey announced on Facebook that Brad Martin had passed away the previous day. He wrote: “I can’t believe I’m having to write this but my friend and music brother Brad Martin passed away yesterday afternoon.” He shared some photos of their time together and expressed his grief and shock. He said that Martin was “a great friend and true talent” and that he would miss him dearly.
How did fans react to Brad Martin’s death?
Brad Martin’s death shocked and saddened many country music fans who remembered his songs and his voice. They took to social media to pay tribute to him and offer their condolences to his family and friends. Some of his fans said that they still listened to his music and that they hoped he would find peace in heaven. Others said that he was gone too soon and that he deserved more recognition for his talent.
Some of the messages from fans are:
- Dang, RIP to Brad Martin. Had a big hit back in the early 2000’s than I still jam out to…”Before I Knew Better”
- Rip Brad Martin you were amazing
- Gone too soon rip Brad Martin…condolences to family and friends
- Oh no! Brad Martin passed away??? I loved @martinramey … stop it 2022!
Brad Martin is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his two children, Tyler and Taylor. He also leaves behind his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and many friends in the music industry. He will be remembered for his contribution to country music and his passion for singing and songwriting.