John Arthur Martinez was voted the 2020 Locals Love Us Favorite Band/Musician in the Marble Falls area. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
Sitting down with John Arthur Martinez over a cup of coffee is like visiting an old friend you haven’t talked with in a long time. He makes everything feel all right.
It’s also how his music makes you feel.
The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners agree. They chose Martinez as their Locals Love Us favorite band/musician in the Marble Falls area.
As a singer-songwriter, Martinez pulls stories from his life and puts them to music. Over the years, he has celebrated life, love, and so much more while remembering his small-town roots.
“I love Marble Falls,” he said.
Martinez has traveled the around the world but happily calls the Highland Lakes home. He performs regularly in the area.
Even after more than 20 years, 14 albums, and awards and recognition, Martinez isn’t resting on his laurels. He released his latest album, “For the Love of Western Swing (& Other Love Songs),” in 2019 and is already working on another.
“The next project album I want to do is more poetic than I’ve done in a long time,” he said.
He’s penned two sonnets that he’ll use on the album.
Writing and performing music wasn’t always his life’s aspiration. After graduating from Marble Falls High School many moons ago, he wanted to be a college teacher and coach.
But while attending Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, he discovered he loved writing, especially songs. Eventually, Martinez focused on his music, even landing a spot on the first season of the reality TV singing competition show "Nashville Star" on USA Network in 2003. He finished second — ahead of then-unknown singer Miranda Lambert.
He was almost 40 when he competed on the show and had already developed a fan base.
Since then, Martinez has worked as an independent musician and built up his grassroots following.
He's toured Europe and the northwestern United States, among other places, but always comes home to the Highland Lakes.
And the locals love him for that — and his music.
Learn more about Martinez’s music at johnarthurmartinez.net.
daniel@thepicayune.com
