Description
This is the story of lifelong musician Buzzy Martin, music teacher to the hardened criminals inside the walls of San Quentin Prison-and what he learned, note by incredible note.
About the Author
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Buzzy taught himself to play the guitar and piano at the age of 13. At the age of 15, he performed with his first band as the lead singer, playing guitar and keyboards. Buzzy has been making his dream real, one step at a time. After graduating from high school there were the traveling cover bands, steadily touring the Midwest from Michigan to Florida. In 1979, he moved to northern California, had a stint as a solo street performer at the world famous San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf while wood shedding his composing skills, Buzzy became the much-in-demand host of a series of coffee house Open Mike nights, where his knowledgeable musicianship, sunny personality and non-stop encouragement helped the caffeine scene thrive. In 1980 he began to play with many local bands and musicians as a featured artist. In early 1981, he was hired as the mainstay guitar player for an Elvis Presley impersonator and became responsible for the direction and stage presence of the band. This became a highly enjoyable group to work with and afforded him the opportunity to travel the West Coast circuit. In 1984, Buzzy started his own Top 40-style band, which quickly became recognized by club owners as a moneymaker.His ambition has always been to compose popular-style music that fits the audience definition of "what they wanted to hear" given to him by so many fans. Buzzy affectionately calls this music "Baby Boomer Rock'n'Roll". This has led to a new generation of Buzzy Martin music that has been immediately and enthusiastically received. Buzzy's many fans, always eager to attend concerts or shows specifically because he has been placed on the bill.For over thirty-five years, performer Buzzy has been perfecting his technique. Through hundreds of engagements with many types of bands and ensembles in a variety of venues, Buzzy has grown to be equally comfortable as bandleader or side-player. As a highly valued sideman, Buzzy has worked with a wide variety of acts including featured singers and instrumentalists. He also performs frequently as a stand-up single on acoustic and electric instruments.Buzzy is an entertainer in every sense of the word. He can make you want to dance in the aisles, or bring tears to your eyes with a heartfelt ballad. As a songwriter, he has the talent to truly capture your feelings in words and music. As a musician, he is a true professional. As a singer, he keenly interprets other writer's material as well as powerfully delivering his own songs. His naturally buoyant personality and quick-witted commentary have made him a favorite with audiences throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. From county fairs to concert halls, Buzzy has entertained countless thousands in a way that always leaves them smiling.Buzzy's engaging brand of "Baby Boomer Rock'n'Roll" has won widespread approval in both band gigs and solo dates that include opening act slots for Sammy Kershaw, Leon Russell, Maria Muldaur, the Smokin' Armadillos, and Pam Tillis. He has performed with members of the Doobie Brothers, Pablo Cruise, Journey, Santana, Les Claypool of Primus, and Huey Lewis and the News. And sales of Buzzy's poignant musical response to the kidnapping of Polly Klaas, "Please Come Home," earned nearly $10,000 for the Polly Klaas Foundation as well as considerable regional airplay. Other offstage acts of selfless citizenship such as teaching music programs to at-risk youth in juvenile halls and inmates at San Quentin Prison have earned him official civic recognition.An established professional who loves the music he shares, Buzzy Martin is living proof of the rewards of following one's childhood dreams and is now the author of “Don’t Shoot! I’m the Guitar Man.
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