Martin Delray

John Robel · Post by **John Robel** » 31 Dec 2001 10:32 am

Several years ago we went to Kelly's state line opry and saw Martin Delray and loved his show.He was a helluva tele player and singer and had a hot band.What happened to him,I can't find anything? Thanks John

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 31 Dec 2001 10:46 am

Martin( discovered, I believe, by Tommy Cash) was an excellent singer with a "style". I can only assume he got caught up in the "He's too old, too short, not a baby face" syndrome.

Tony Rankin · Post by **Tony Rankin** » 31 Dec 2001 3:01 pm

I saw Martin here in Dayton at Memorial Hall around 1992, or 93. He was opening for Tanya Tucker. Rick Kornacker was playing steel with him. Rick is a great guy and a great steel player as well. They put on a very good show.

Larry's assessment is probably pretty accurate. Too bad!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Tony Rankin on 31 December 2001 at 03:03 PM.]</p></FONT>

Ben Jack · Post by **Ben Jack** » 31 Dec 2001 3:15 pm

Martin and I have a mutual friend that told me that Martin gave up the music business a few years ago and now is working for the U.S. Forestry Service somewhere in Tenn. I can probably get his address if you want it. I think he has reverted back to his real name which is MIKE MARTIN. He and I were once in business together in Arkansas.

Ben

SCOTT TYLER · Post by **SCOTT TYLER** » 1 Jan 2002 7:38 am

I was with a band that opened for Martin Delray some years ago, and he was a real gentleman. He loved to talk about "the business" and had a backup band that was just smokin'. The guys had been with him since his early days, and they seemed to have a blast on the stage. His song "Lillies White Lies" still knocks me out!!

John Robel · Post by **John Robel** » 1 Jan 2002 3:56 pm

Thanks guys for the replys,I have 2 of his albums and he is just great. I would buy more if it was out there,but I guess the market "experts" determine who is viable.This sucks big time!! John

Buck Reid · Post by **Buck Reid** » 2 Jan 2002 11:48 pm

John,
i worked with Martin in 1992 and 93....and i rememeber working Kelly's. It was a fun place and the band was fun because there were only four of us!

I was with Martin about 8 or 9 months when i was offered the Lyle gig,which i took. I miss all that freedom. Martin is definitely a traditionalist. Sorry to say i lost touch with him but i thank you for bringing back some great memories,Happy New Year!!

Nick Reed · Post by **Nick Reed** » 3 Jan 2002 12:10 am

Back when I was DJ'in Country Music at WDBL-AM/FM I used to wear out his song "Lillies White Lies". I remember how tasteful the Steel fills were in that song. Nick

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 3 Jan 2002 4:50 pm

Martin had a big hit in my area of the old Johnny Cash song "Get Rhythm". As I remember he played and sang the fire out of the thing. I saw him on Nashville Now once and he did a great job.

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Have a good 'un! JH U-12

Ron Whitworth · Post by **Ron Whitworth** » 4 Jan 2002 7:00 am

Hi Guys;
I remember this guy also..I really liked him when i 1st heard him & thought that he was on his way to becoming the modern day Johnny Cash..He sounded a lot like Johnny(deep voice)but then a little different at the same time..Too bad he quit as he was just starting to build a lot of fans & i was one..I have 1 cassette by him(had it for a few years)but would sure like to find a CD or 2 with him on it..
Later..Ron

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 4 Jan 2002 7:35 pm

Wow, it's great getting all this info on Martin Delray, like most of you, I LOVED "Lilli'es White Lies," so much so that I learned it and continue singing it on many gigs; it's always a big fave with other band members. The harmonies on the record were gorgeous!

I also have 2 CD's of his, but the best is by far the first, "Get Rhythm," which has that plus "Lillie's..." Sonny Garrish does the tasty steel work.

Very dismaying to confirm that a talent like his can't find an ongoing place in Nashville or on country radio. Things aint what they used to was. Anyone in touch with Martin, tell him he's still got a few diehard fans out here!

(There used to be a Los Angeles singer named Mike Martin, same guy perhaps? This would be in the 80's)

Buck Reid · Post by **Buck Reid** » 5 Jan 2002 7:44 am

Hey guys,i agree and thought Martin(Mike)had something special! He wasn't fancy.....but he meant it when he sang or played. Unfortunately,sometimes this business determines how long we continue and when to "get out". I can tell you he was great fun to work with and yes i believe he did work on the west coast in the 80's with a group called "Clay and Sally". Maybe i can find him, if i do i'll let you know and tell him you guys are saying all kinds of bad things about him on here!

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 5 Jan 2002 7:51 am

Hi Buck! Larry

Buck Reid · Post by **Buck Reid** » 5 Jan 2002 10:39 am

Hi Larry,hope your coming along ok with the material we went over the other day. Enjoyed our session!

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 5 Jan 2002 11:38 am

Buck, it's going just great! Thanks! See you in a couple of weeks.

Robert Jones · Post by **Robert Jones** » 6 Jan 2002 8:29 am

I had the pleasure of working some shows with Martin back around 95. Danny Jones was playing steel for him at that time. Great player. It's sad to think that Martin has gone back to another job besides his music. I'm afraid Larry is right. Too old for the young crowd now days. It's just not right.

Ben Jack · Post by **Ben Jack** » 8 Jan 2002 7:42 am

hi ben,

try this:
MikeM@williamson-tn.org

2012 Stonewall Jackson Drive
Franklin, TN 37064

hi, mike

Ben Jack · Post by **Ben Jack** » 9 Jan 2002 7:46 am