Love, talent, and an electric stage presence run strong within a family of six – who once again will return to Central Methodist University to put on a musical performance to remember.
Rockland Road – formerly known as Martin Family Circus – will play a free, open-to-the-public show in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church at CMU’s main campus in Fayette (409 North Church Street) at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, just in time to kick off Central’s Homecoming weekend festivities.
The Martins, who have been described as “exuberant” by Rolling Stone magazine, have personal and professional ties far and wide. But they also have a close tie right in Fayette, to CMU President Roger Drake – a childhood friend and musical partner of Grammy-winning artist Paul Martin, who is the father in the band.
Paul, along with his wife, Jamie, and children March, Kell, Texas, and Tallant, have been singing together since 2010. The group is not only vocally talented, but play 23 instruments between them.
“Our house has always been like a live jukebox, with an all-you-can-play selection of musical instruments,” Jamie said. “Music completely engulfs our lives, so our kids have never known a day without it. And that’s just how they want it.”
Many would say the passion for music is in their blood, as deep-rooted talent can be traced back for years in both Paul and Jamie. When Paul was the lead singer and guitarist of the country-pop group, Exile, he met and married Jamie, whose father is Duane Allen of Country Music Hall of Fame’s The Oak Ridge Boys.
Their children were exposed early to the world of music, and one by one, Paul and Jamie watched as each child demonstrated musical talents early on.
Regional performances took off, leading to national television appearances, and shows at venues including the U.S. Library of Congress, the Country Music Cruise, the Grand Ole Opry, the White House, and countless fairs, festivals, performing arts centers, and athletic events.
Love, talent, and an electric stage presence run strong within a family of six – who once again will return to Central Methodist University to put on a musical performance to remember.