Shaun Martin dead at age 45: Singer and keyboardist for Grammy-award winning jazz fusion group Snarky Puppy passes away

Shaun Martin, a member of the Grammy-award winning jazz fusion group Snarky Puppy, has passed at age 45. 

The band announced Martin's passing in a statement posted to their X account on Sunday, along with a photo of the musician hitting the stage. 

'Yesterday, we lost a music legend and, more importantly, a beautiful, luminous human being. 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. RIP,' the statement read. 

Martin was a singer and keyboardist for the group, which last year received its fifth Grammy award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Empire Central. 

While a cause of death remains unknown, the musician had been afflicted with an undisclosed illness for over a year. 

Shaun Martin, a member of the Grammy-award winning jazz fusion group Snarky Puppy, has passed at age 45 

His wife, Monica Wilson Martin, also broke the heartbreaking news with followers.

'It is with great sorrow to share the news of the passing of my husband, Harold Lashaun Martin,' she posted to Instagram. 'The light in our family has been dim since April 17, 2023. Since then it has been our priority to surround him in love, support, and prayer and the best medical care that could be provided. At this point, God has spoken, and we must accept His Will.

'Thank you to our family and friends who continue to surround us with unwavering love. We kindly ask for your prayers as we navigate this heartbreaking loss being felt in our home, throughout DFW, and ultimately around the world. #teammartin #alwaysallways.'

Prior to his death, a benefit concert for Martin was set to be held in September. Erykah Badu and Norah Jones were among the performers scheduled to hit the stage for the concert. 

A post advertising the concert on his account from last week read: '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 event was set to benefit the costs associated with Martin's care amid his health battle, according to the Dallas Observor. 

As of today, the event is still occurring at the Bruton Theatre in Dallas, reports the site. Tickets for the concert are still available. 

Badu, who is among many of the musicians set to perform, has collaborated with Martin previously. 

Prior to his death, a benefit concert for Martin was set to be held in September. Erykah Badu and Norah Jones were among the performers scheduled to hit the stage for the concert; Martin pictured February 2023 

Martin was still studying at the University of North Texas when he contributed to her 2000 album, Mama's Gun. 

An accomplished musician, Martin is the winner of seven Grammy awards. He achieved three of the trophies with Snarky Puppy, and four as part of his recordings with Gospel singer Kirk Franklin.

Martin has released numerous albums in collaboration with many musicians. On his own, Martin has also released three gospel albums - 7 Summers, Focus, and Three-O.

Martin was just four-years-old when he first began playing music, according to The Dallas Observer. 

Martin was a singer and keyboardist for the group, which last year received its fifth Grammy award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Empire Central (Snarky Puppy pictured performing in 2019)

He eventually became skilled in the clarinet, piano, drums, keyboard, and Minimoog.

In addition to his wife, Martin is survived by his son Harlem.