The Clefs

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Often billed as Leon Martin & the Clefs, they toured extensively during the early 60s and maintained residencies in Printers Alley.

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History[edit | edit source]

Leon Martin was born near Franklin and grew up on country music and local gospel from Black churches. As his career took off, he began to tour the US widely.

Pursuing a committed backing band, Leon incorporated members from The Skipper Hunt Combo when they were dissolving in the early 60s, including singer/ guitarist Skip Hunt and sax player Gayle Whitfield.

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Leon Martin and the Clefs also maintained residencies at several clubs, including the Jolly Roger in Printers Alley, where they played 6 nights a week, after returning from a stint at the Peppermint Lounge in New York. Other residencies included The Broadway Club, where they played 6 nights a week, and the Colonial Dinner Club in Nashville.

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Leon Martin's first single was the B-side "Ookie Dookie" to the first recorded version of "Twist and Shout" on the A-side by the Top Notes from Detroit. "Ookie Dookie" was written by Dale Hawkins, architect of swamp rock boogie. The split single only reached #709 altho the A-side song would later had enormous success with other singers.

His next single was arranged and produced by Ray Stevens, whom Leon had met during a performance in Illinois in the mid-60s.

His only album was not made until the 21st century and included Leon Martin singing with friends Jimmy Hall (from Wet Willie), Bruce Channel (writer and performer of the hit "Hey Baby"), Larry Hensley (who wrote "Bread and Butter," and the Grammy award winning "Wind Beneath My Wings" with songs recorded by Tammy Wynette, Trisha Yearwood and Donna Summer), and Clifford Curry (the King of Beach Music, including his #1 hit, "She Shot A Hole In My Soul").


From the Rockabilly HOF website:

Leon Martin's life began on a small share cropper's farm near Franklin, TN. His father, grandfather and uncles introduced him to music at a young age, picking and singing on the front porch while Leon and his sister learned to harmonize. Many evenings were spent listening to the Grand Ole Opry. Leon and his family would listen on the radio of his father's '37 Ford parked under a big tree in the front yard.


Leon enjoyed listening to and singing country music but his strongest musical influence came from a nearby black church. Leon loved the sound of the gospels and would sneak away from his home Sunday mornings to sit on the steps of the church and sing along with the choir. This love of the gospels left an indelible mark on Leon and inspired his development in R & B.


By the late 50's Leon was singing to packed houses from New York to Las Vegas, entertaining the crowds with his soulful sound. During one such engagement in New York at the Peppermint Lounge, Leon caught the attention of Jerry Wexler, R & B's top producer for Atlantic records. Wexler immediately signed Leon to a recording contract making him the first white artist to ever be signed to sing the Blues. Shortly thereafter Wexler produced Leon's first hit single, "Turn On Your Love Lights."

Skipper Hunt and Gayle Whitfield


The unsurpassed ability Leon had to belt out the blues quickly attracted the attention of other labels and led to recording deals with Mercury and Monument Records. At Mercury, Shelby Singleton produced and Bill Justis arranged, developing a Big Band sound with R & B. At Monument Leon was produced by Ray Stevens. The two had met while performing together at a show in Peoria, IL. Stevens brought Leon to Monument as the label's first blues act.


The grind of touring 365 days per year finally became unbearable and Leon left the road. He settled down in Virginia where he became a successful business man. Leon's love of music never dwindled, though, and eventually his heart led him back to Nashville to once again focus on his music.


Leon now lives and works in the heart of Music Row where he writes, produces and arranges for his own House of Martin Publishing and Bubilon Records. His vast experience and knowledge of music have aided him in excelling in a variety of musical styles including country, ballads, dance tunes and, of course, Rhythm and Blues.

Releases[edit | edit source]

Album[edit | edit source]

2006: "Dance With Leon Martin And Friends" ‎(CD, Album) on Bobilon Records, cat# BRCD1937

Singles & EPs[edit | edit source]

1962: The Top Notes, Leon Martin: "Twist And Shout / Ookie Dookie" ‎(7", Single) on Atlantic, cat#Atl.70.100

1966: "I Think Of Losing You / For Crying out Loud" on LTD International, cat# 45-402

mid 60s: Turn On Your Love Light / Ookie Dookie" on Atlantic, cat# 45-2154

Clifford Curry (A-side) and Leon Martin with Jimmy Hall (B-side) - "Boogie Woogie Country Girl / Goin' To Get My Baby" ‎(7", Single) on Ripete, cat# R45-3026


Marv Martin (considered a possible pseudonym for Leon Martin):

1964: "Don't Misjudge Me / Way Down" 7" on Limelight, cat# Y-3021. arr. by Bill Justis and Produced by Jerry Kennedy. "Way Down" has writing credits by Leon Martin

External References[edit | edit source]

https://www.discogs.com/artist/2428730-Leon-Martin-2

https://www.discogs.com/artist/4798292-Marv-Martin

https://web.archive.org/web/20210218130512/http://www.rockabillyhall.com/LeonMartin1.html