Martin Banks Remembered

Martin Banks - Austin's Jazz Trumpet Man

June 23, 1936 - August 20, 2004

The Memorial celebration for the wonderful life of Martin Banks at Laguna Gloria in Austin Texas was a day worthy of the life of the great Austin trumpet player. The memorial celebration included the most well known artists from the Austin area along with many people from the Austin community. Many came out to pay tribute to the Master of the Trumpet.

The MARTIN BANKS TRIBUTE FUND has been established to provide assistance for the wife and grandchildren of Martin Banks. Contributions can be made either at the Tribute or directly to Wells Fargo Bank, 2336 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78704 - 512.344.7000.

The Master of the Trumpet Martin Banks has moved on to play another stage. The Austin, Texas born "Jazz Giant" who played and worked with Count Basie, King Curtis, James Brown, Duke Ellington, Sun Ra, Roland Kirk, Dizzy Gillespie, David FatHead Newman, and Ray Charles to name a few passed on August 20, 2004 in his home town of Austin Texas. Martin was in the house band of the original Motown Review as well as a 12 year stint in the house band of the The Apollo Theater in New York City.

When you mention the word Jazz you think of Martin Banks. He accomplished it all and did it with a kind and gracious mannerism that made him the peoples favorite. I felt honored to have Martin as a friend and to listen to the wisdom he so often shared. He was solid for his family and a dedicated and loving husband to his wife Leslie and his two grandchildren Daniel and Jackie. He embraced the Austin community and was proud to call Austin his home.

He will be missed by many but we will remember him through his music and keep his memory alive in our souls.

I hope that the fish are biting and the Jazz is Sweat my friend.

- Ojito Prevatt

Texas Daily On Line - Article on Martin's Tribute at Laguna Gloria

Martin Banks - Texas Daily On Line

Austin Chronicle August 27, 2004

Article In Austin American Statesman Sunday August 22, 2004

Guest book for Martin Buford Banks Jr.

Martin Banks Professional Resume

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gbase/Guides/Bands?oid=36488

http://www.austinmetro.com/

http://www.xs4all.nl/~alexcoke/gignews.html