Artist description I am an award winning songwriter and I've just released my first CD as an artist.....ONE HEART. In the twenty years I have been writing for other artists, the songs on this album have felt like "mine." They speak of my sense of connection with all of cr eation in a variety of voices. I hear them as spiritual songs, embracing people of many backgrounds and points of view. I am grateful that I'm able to release this album at this time in the world, when current events are calling each of us to bring for th our very best.

Music Style Singer/Songwriter. Pop with gospel, folk and country influences

Musical Influences Black gospel, James Taylor, Michael McDonald

Similar Artists Marc Cohen, Michael McDonald

Artist History J.D. Martin is an acclaimed singer/songwriter with fifteen Top Ten Country hits and one Top Ten Adult Contemporary hit to his name. Recently, his song "When You Lie Next To Me" reached the Top 10 with new country artist, Kellie Coffey. In 2001 J.D. released his first solo CD, "One Heart," a collection of original songs that he describes as "music from the heart and for the spirit." A native of Harrisonburg, VA, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, J.D. encountered his first musical influence singing unaccompanied hymns in the church where his father was the minister. Piano lessons began at age eight and continued on through his college years. Along the way, he developed a love of everything from classical music to black gospel to singer/songwriters like James Taylor. While earning his B.A. in Music, J.D. was assigned to write a song. He took such pleasure in the effort that he was hooked for life. Following graduation, he joined a band called Tanglefoot, based in Aspen, CO. They toured for seven years, opening for artists such as Kenny Rogers. With this band, J.D. honed his songwriting skills, and moved to Nashville in 1980, determined to break into the music business. By 1994, J.D. Martin had established himself as one of Nashville's top songwriters. As a staff writer with MCA Music and later with Warner/Chappell Music, he co-wrote such hits as "Love Will Find It's Way To You" by Reba McEntire; "Nobody But You" and "Just As Long As I Have You," both performed by Don Williams; "Everyday" by the Oak Ridge Boys; "I'll Never Stop Loving You" and "Between Two Fires" by Gary Morris; and "You and Only You" by John Berry. However, like the seekers he often portrays in his songs, J.D. wanted to experience new worlds. So, in 1994, he moved to Los Angeles, where he found a home in the world of pop music as well. Kathy Tracolli and Clay Cross recorded his duet, "One Heart," and Peter Cetera released "One Clear Voice," a Top Ten Adult Contemporary single. J.D. continued writing for country artists as well, and in July of 1998 Terri Clark's version of "Now That I Found You" reached #1. Whatever style of music J.D. chooses, his songs have one unifying trait. "I'm attracted to writing about themes of the heart," he says. "Not only about love, but also of following dreams, and going through the dark times." He and his wife, singer/songwriter and teacher Jan Garrett, now live and create their music in the mountains of Colorado.

Instruments keyboards

Albums One Heart

Press Reviews Robert K. Oermann in Music Row Magazine. "J.D.'s new music has taken on a spiritual....quality. It's all quite moving, including this gentle pop title tune for his new collection."

Location Snowmass, CO - USA

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