What makes a voice unique and entertaining is surely exemplified in the ever-changing expression of the singer of songs and the teller of musical tales … in New Orleans, that mistress of coal soul is no other than Sharon Martin… a petite frame that carries one of the most powerfully soulful voices around…

 Martin is one of New Orleans’ most sought after entertainers.  She has worked with and recorded for legendary Joe Sample; she recently completed 3 cuts (“Summer-time”, “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and “Give Me One Good Reason”) on a CD produced by Fitchfield Music for Liberty Bank, she was one of the musicians featured on Harrah’s “Fulton Street Live”, a CD to assist the musicians after the disasters of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; she is a featured artist on the CD for Katrina victims entitled “Her Name is New Orleans”. Her rendition of “Four Women” enthused audiences.  Her rendition of “I Will Survive” sets a new vision for the Gloria Gaynor song.  Over the past couple of years, she has been working on special project with jazz legend great, Joe Sample.  

In May 2007, she served up a hot and spicy show in the Republic of Georgia (a former Russian province) and in July gave a 14-day tour through the country of Japan.  Martin has been serving up exciting music not only to her loyal fans in New Orleans but also around the world… earning the respect and admiration of her peers and audiences everywhere.  She was voted as one of the best vocalists by her peers in the OffBeat magazine in 1996.

 Martin has collaborated and shared the stage with some of the finest musical talents the music world has to offer including Joe Sample, Grammy great, Dave Bartholemew; New Orleans legend, Wilson “Willie T” Turbinton, Ellis Marsalis, Walter Payton,  violinist Michael Ward, The House of Blues All Stars, Deacon John and The Ivories, The John Brunious’ New Orleans  All Stars,  Herman Ernest, The Wendell Brunious Jazz All Stars; The Carl LeBlanc Group, Grammy Winner Nicholas Payton, Donald Harrison Jr. and a host of others.

 Her versatility as a vocalist and an entertainer has garnered her many spots as an opening act for major artists such as Roy Ayers, Gill Scott Heron, Nagee, Ronnie Laws, Buddy Guy, and Boz Scaggs.

 In New Orleans, Martin helped to establish the once thriving Showcase Lounge as one of the city’s most exciting addresses for Jazz and Blues, and was instrumental in the opening of Jin Jean’s Restaurant and Bar.  She has performed many times over the years at the N. O. Jazz & Heritage Festival and other local festivals in New Orleans.  Her talents are unlimited. As Program Director for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation she furthered her ability with producing many of its concerts for its programs.  She was the recipient of the 2008 Asante Awards for her contribution to the culture, music and community.

In addition to singing performances, Ms. Martin has a reputation with the local acting community:

 ·                     Free Southern Theater

·                     Ethiopian Theater

·                     Voiceovers for Jefferson Healthcare Centers  commercials;

·                     Understudy role as Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar an Grill”;

·                     Lead role as Elsie in “Them That’s Got His Own”; Miss Nurse in“  The Doctor’s In”; and several other lead and support roles.

 Ms. Martin’s image is among those N. O. legends included in a mural at the N. O. International Airport, as well as on the cover of Harrah’s Casino’s Total Rewards Magazine Winter 2007 edition; Enjoy her entertainment at many N. O. venues when you get there.