D’MAR
Musician, Producer, Songwriter, Educator and Entertainer
Derrick “D’MAR” Martin is standing between two worlds where the gap grows by the day and D’MAR is the epicenter. He is simply a force of nature. D’MAR is a musician, producer, songwriter, singer, educator, entertainer and motivational speaker. He has been traveling the world for over 25 years, 17 of which where spent as the lead drummer for the legendary Little Richard. D’MAR has also worked with a number of other artists such as: Dorothy Moore, Bobby Rush, Vastie Jackson, Ali Woodson formerly of The Temptations, Big Jack Johnson, Billy Preston, Roy Gaines, Mitch Woods, Mark Hummel, Jackie Payne, Kid Andersen, Syl Johnson, Bob Margolin, Carla Thomas, Wendy Moten and Tutu Jones just to name a few.
From the moment he beat on his mother’s couch at the age of five, D’MAR has done what he loves to do: perform and play drums. It was natural for him to be a first chair percussionist in the All City Band and section leader before he was an upper class-man in high school. After cutting his musical teeth on the Chittlin’ Circuit, he decided to fulfill a childhood dream of playing drums for a living. As it would happen, D’MAR had an opportunity to audition for the great Rock & Roll Icon, Little Richard in which he got the drummer spot in the band!
While honing his craft under the tutelage of Little Richard, D’MAR began to develop his business acumen and learned to identify business opportunities, which led him to open several businesses. D’MAR has traveled globally, entertained among the hottest stars, and served as co-owner of Airtight Productions for over twenty years. He is currently a member of the award winning band, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats and continues to release his own solo records. Despite his full schedule and full life, D’MAR makes time gives back to his community through volunteering with youth arts programs. He has also created music education program called Drums & More, which he performs for schools throughout the world. D’MAR is currently a member of the prestigious arts organization, Young Audiences of Northern California, based in San Francisco, CA.
Drums & More is a clinic and lecture series of a unique caliber. Whereas some people speak from either an educational or a practical perspective, D’MAR’s program offers the best of both worlds. Drums & More is an informative and energetic program that is covers the history of the drum set and helps inspire students to embrace arts & education.
D’MAR is continuing to grow and refine his craft. As he does so, he is always finding ways to share his lessons whether it is from the stage, in the studio or in the classroom.