SACRAMENTO, CA — Mick Martin, a beloved harmonica virtuoso, educator, and host of the long-running radio show Mick Martin’s Blues Party, died on Sunday at the age of 76. Known across Northern California and beyond for his soulful sound and tireless dedication to the blues, Martin leaves behind a powerful musical legacy that spanned decades, stages, and generations.
Martin was more than a performer. He was a teacher, mentor, storyteller, and a cornerstone of Sacramento’s vibrant music culture. As frontman of the Mick Martin Big Blues Band, he toured internationally and built a devoted local following. His influence reached far beyond the stage thanks to community initiatives like Blues in the Schools, which introduced young students to the roots and spirit of American blues.
“He had a big influence in Sacramento—not just performing and entertaining, but educating,” said guitarist Andrew Little, a longtime bandmate. “Programs like Blues in the Schools were his way of passing on the torch.”
Little, who first encountered Martin at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee through his own family, eventually joined Martin’s band after participating in one of his afterschool music programs.
Martin’s harmonica playing—often called “fiery,” “raw,” and “authentic”—was a signature part of his identity. It was rooted in the Mississippi Delta tradition, yet always carried a California soul. His unmistakable blues-rock sound made him a fixture at regional festivals and earned him accolades from peers and protégés alike.
Among those protégés was Kyle Rowland, now considered one of the top harmonica players in the country. Rowland, who was just 10 years old when Martin first invited him on stage, went on to tour with Martin’s band for nearly seven years. In 2024, Rowland was inducted into the Sacramento Blues Hall of Fame.
“He called me his nephew, and I called him Uncle Mick,” Rowland said. “He gave me my start. I’ll always be grateful.”
Martin also contributed as a music critic and film reviewer for Sacramento media, and was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of music history. His radio show, Mick Martin’s Blues Party, was praised for its vivid storytelling and ability to create “theater of the mind.”
“He could tell a story in 20 seconds that would take others an hour,” said Tony Cox, a fellow radio jockey and longtime friend. “He was brilliant on the mic.”
Martin’s final performance came in May during his annual birthday bash—a show that brought together musicians from every era of his career. It served as both a celebration and an unofficial farewell, filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude.
“It was like a dream come true for Mick,” said friend Donna Delgadillo. “He was surrounded by everyone he loved. I believe he was at peace with what he’d accomplished.”
Mick Martin is survived by his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. His exact cause of death has not been released.
As Sacramento and the wider blues world mourn his passing, the echoes of Martin’s harmonica—and the many lives he influenced—continue to resonate.
