[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E418-E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF ERIC MARTIN

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 10, 2018

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
incredible life and career of Eric Martin. Eric, a longtime Buffalo 
native, will celebrate his retirement from Grand Slam Productions where 
he worked diligently as an MC and promoter for over 40 years.
  Eric Martin's life was centered around family. As the youngest child 
of five siblings, he had a close relationship with his mother, Shirley 
Martin. Her saying ``let your actions match your looks'' was 
instrumental in forming his outlook on life.
  His journey in the music industry started at the young age of 16 
first working with ``The Exoutics'' a well-known soul group in the 
Western New York area. In a continuation of his passion for music Eric 
worked under the direction of Freedom Train and when he was 18 started 
spinning records at Sylvester's Night Club on Fillmore Avenue. Some 
notable events from Eric's early career include MC'ing a Maze and 
Beverly Concert, a Phyllis Hyman show at Shea's Performing Arts Center, 
and a Juneteenth festival concert. In addition, Eric has worked with 
artists such as S.O.S Band, Atlantic Starr, and Loose Ends.
  However, Eric's career did not come without its challenges. In his 
commitment to his passion for music Eric served the city in a variety 
of other jobs in order to continue his work as a promoter. His hard 
work has been seen in 22 years with the Buffalo Board of Education, 20 
years at Dunlop Tires, 6 years with BFNC and 4 years with Big Brother 
Big Sister. Eric discusses the challenges posed by minority promoters 
within Buffalo saying that ``Buffalo's a very tough market, a lot of 
establishments aren't open to black promoters.'' This has made it even 
more difficult to gain a foothold in Buffalo's event and nightlife 
scene.
  Despite these challenges Eric Martin retires from a dynamic career in 
the music industry with renewed hopes of bringing his love of music to 
a new generation through his wife Tracy and their three children Erica, 
Eric, and Aaron. His dream being that Buffalo will one day be able to 
establish a major music festival.
  Mr. Speaker, I am inspired by Eric Martin's remarkable commitment to 
pursue his passion for music. I'm honored to celebrate his retirement 
and hope that he continues to be a driving force in the great city of 
Buffalo.

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