10/10/2024
No words suffice to describe the loss I felt today hearing of the passing of Marty Gamblin. No paragraphs appear to sum up the gratitude, and respect I hold for Marty. I’ve known him for almost thirty years. We hit it off from the start. He knew I loved most all genres of music, as he did. He also knew I loved the history, and back stories of the music industry. Marty was always generous with anecdotes, and when needed, valuable advice on life, and business. His career spanned the great rhythm and blues artists such as The Rhythm Rockers, Dorothy Moore, The Rhythm Kings to Jim Weatherly, B. J. Thomas to Glen Campbell, to Alan Jackson. Marty encouraged, and helped launch the careers of dozens of performers. His work as a publisher provided who knows how many millions of sales for major artists such as Ray Price, Charley Pride, Bob Luman, and Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Bryan White. Some of the writers he worked with include White, Derek George, Carl Jackson, Gene Autry, Jerry Fuller, Jimmy Webb, and Clyde Otis. Some of the songs include “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Chattahoochie,(written by Alan Jackson, and our longtime friend, Jim McBride),” and “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”
But, maybe the best way to give you an idea about this man of constant accomplishment, and responsibilities happened about three weeks ago. We always shared a bond of Faith, Family, Music, and Laughter. So, about 21 days ago, a great number of us were enjoying the very crowded, and jumbling excitement of honoring our friend Tony Sansone at a reception in Meridian, Mississippi. I spotted Marty across the room of these three hundred or so colorful people, and the many joyful conversations. I crossed over to shake his big, powerful hand. He shouted above the din of noise in that broad, smiling, Philadelphia, Mississippi drawl, “How’re those kids of yours? Kate, Henry, and Mary Mac? Are they doin’ good?” That pretty well describes what he was always about.
