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Welcome to the official site of Hugh Martin, songwriter and composer.
Hugh Martin, Jr., American musical theater and film composer, arranger, and vocal coach, died Friday, March 11th, 2011 in Encinitas, CA at the age of 96.
At Mr. Martin’s request, there will be no memorial service, and in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made through donations to Hugh’s favorite cause, “Joni and Friends International Disability Center,” www.joniandfriends.org.
High-res photos with permissions for one-time media use ONLY can be requested through the contact form on this site.
A Special Thank You to Hugh Martin’s Extended Family
The Martin Family wishes to publicly thank Elaine Harrison for her role as Hugh’s long-time manager and best friend. Hugh met Elaine in 1975, at the Encinitas Seventh-day Adventist Church, and they struck up a friendship when she offered to drive him to services each week, so he wouldn’t have to take a cab. It was several weeks into the friendship before Hugh mentioned his work as a songwriter, and Elaine was amazed to find he had written songs that she knew and loved. Eventually, she and her husband Fred invited Hugh to stay at their home, and where he remained for more than a quarter of a century!!
Hugh says in his autobiography that he was once asked for a mini-bio, and at the end he wrote: Mr. Martin wants to thank Elaine Harrison for putting his music and his life back on track when both were in serious jeopardy, and for saving his life over and over and over again.
We, the Martin family, wish to thank her too! She and Fred provided a home for Hugh, and became his adopted family. Hugh also was grateful to all the staff that kept their household running smoothly, so we thank them all as well. Hugh names each one in the acknowledgments of his book, Hugh Martin: The Boy Next Door, and gives special recognition to Criscelle Santiago, who had been his secretary for ten years at that time.
Thank you all…
Greetings,
As a musical theater and film composer, arranger, and vocal coach during the Golden Age of Broadway and Hollywood, I have worked with some of its biggest stars including Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Mickey Rooney, and Noël Coward. At the young age of 96, I have decided to tell my story.
My love and passion is music and I’m blessed to have been able to make this my life’s profession. I now share with you the story, the songs, and the passion that have shaped my life. Enjoy and please visit often.
Hugh