| David A. Martin | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1937 |
| Origin | Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Died | August 2, 1987 |
| Genres | Rock and roll, rockabilly. R&B |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter, singer |
| Instruments | Bass guitar |
| Years active | 1959–1966 |
| Labels | MGM Records Chess Records Alta Records Sparton Records (Canada) Dingo Records Various Indie labels |
| Associated acts | Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs, The Tom Toms, Bill Smith Combo, Gene Summers, Freddy Fender |
David A. Martin (1937 – August 2, 1987)[1] was a founding member and original bass player for the rock group Sam the Sham, and recorded all their early hits on MGM Records. Martin also co-wrote the group's #1 hit "Wooly Bully" which sold over three million records. After leaving the group in late 1965, he returned to Garland, Texas, a Dallas suburb, where he operated a television and video repair shop, located on Lavon Drive (Highway 78), until his death.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Martin started his musical career in 1959 with a band called Tommy & the Tom Toms, which became The Bill Smith Combo in 1960,[1] and recorded several singles for Chess Records. He also worked with Gene Summers, Freddy Fender and Scotty McKay.
Martin died in August 1987 from a heart attack, at the age of 50.[1]