Snarky Puppy member Shaun Martin dead at 45 as band calls musician ‘a beautiful and luminous human being’

Musician Shaun Martin (left) has died at the age of 45 after an undisclosed illness

SINGER Shaun Martin has died at the age of 45.

The Grammy-winning singer is known for being in the jazz band, Snarky Puppy.

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Musician Shaun Martin (left) has died at the age of 45 after an undisclosed illnessCredit: Instagram/shunwun
Shaun Martin learned to play the piano at a young age, where he played gospel and jazz music

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Shaun Martin learned to play the piano at a young age, where he played gospel and jazz musicCredit: Instagram/shunwun

His cause of death is unknown.

However, there was a benefit concert coming up for him on September 14, due to an undisclosed illness.

“This special evening is about celebrating Shaun’s incredible talents and coming together as a musical community to support Shaun’s journey to recovery. Let’s make this night a symphony of hope, love, and positive energy!” the post was captioned.

Snarky Puppy confirmed his death in an Instagram post on August 4.

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“Yesterday, we lost a music legend and, more importantly, a beautiful, luminous human being,” they wrote.

“Shaun Martin touched so many people during his life and through the beautiful immortality of music, will continue to do so.”

“There’s so much that can be said but words can’t do justice. Rest in peace,” the band ended, along with a picture of him performing.

Shaun was also the music director for the gospel singer, Kirk Franklin.

The singer was born on August 23, 1978, in Dallas, Texas.

Shaun earned three Grammys with Snarky Puppy and four for his work with Kirk.

His mother signed him up for piano lessons at four years old, where he learned classical music and jazz.

Shaun learned gospel music through his church.

‘SAD TO HEAR’

Tributes started to pour in for the singer on social media.

“Sad to hear, his spirit and joyful playing were an integral part of [Snarky Puppy’s] sound. RIP Shawn,” one Reddit user wrote.

Shaun Martin touched so many people during his life and through the beautiful immortality of music, will continue to do so

Snarky Puppy band

“This is sad to hear,” said another.

“This is the worst f**king news,” wrote a third.

“Nah, man. He can’t be gone,” wrote an Instagram user.

“RIP Shaun Martin. Thanks for the music and thanks for being you,” tweeted an X user.

“Shaun Martin was such a music legend. He was one of the greatest musicians to ever exist. Man, I can’t believe he is gone. My mind is completely blown. I have no words,” said another.

ABOUT SHAUN’S MUSIC CAREER

Shaun’s musical talent has been spread throughout the industry.

He released seven albums with Snarky Puppy.

He also had a hand in many other artists’ albums including Bjork’s Biophila Live, all of Kirk Franklin’s, gospel singer Kurt Carr, David Crosby, and more.

Shaun won the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album twice for working on Kirk’s albums.

He also took home awards for Best Gospel Album twice as a producer with Kirk.

With Snarky Puppy, Shaun was awarded Best Contemporary Instrumental Album three times.

Shaun Martin was a member of the jazz infusion band, Snarky Puppy

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Shaun Martin was a member of the jazz infusion band, Snarky PuppyCredit: Handout
Shaun Martin had an undisclosed illness, after his band shared a benefit concert for him that was set to take place in September

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Shaun Martin had an undisclosed illness, after his band shared a benefit concert for him that was set to take place in SeptemberCredit: Instagram/shunwun
The musician produced a lot of artist's album, including Kirk Franklin, Bjork, and more

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The musician produced a lot of artist’s album, including Kirk Franklin, Bjork, and moreCredit: Instagram/shunwun

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