Maestro Of Philly Sound, Bobby Martin Dies

Bobby Martin, an architect of the renowned Philadelphia Sound, passed away Sept. 6. Known for his arrangement of Billy Paul’s “Me & Mrs. Jones” hit, Martin worked with artists such as Whitney Houston, Bee Gees, Lou Rawls, Dusty Springfield and others. He was 83.

Beginning his career in Philadelphia in 1959, Martin eventually worked with Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble’s Philadelphia International Records according to the Philly Post’s “The Scoop” blog. One of Martin’s career highlights was working on the theme song for TV’s “Soul Train.” At one time he reportedly advised Patricia Louise Holte-Edwards to adopt the stage name Patti LaBelle.

Martin, along with Paul Revere & The Raiders manager Roger Hart and Benny Golson, ran an artist management company during the 1970s that represented The Manhattans, L.T.D., Larry Graham, and Hubert and Ronnie Laws.

From Martin’s publicist:

“Through his gift in arranging music, he has birthed hit records that have risen to the occasion to become timeless classics. His warm smile, kind heart, and passion for creating music shine on in our memories of Mr. Bobby Martin. He will forever be the Maestro Of The Philadelphia Sound to all who knew him well.”

Martin was alternating his time between working on a compilation of previously unreleased Philly sound tracks and on his non-profit Bobby Martin Foundation when he died, according to the Philly Post/The Scoop. Please visit Martin’s YouTube channel for more information.