Martin's first job in broadcasting
was with the BBC. He was a technical operator for the World Service, based in Bush House in
London. In 1964 he joined the new Radio Atlanta and stayed on as the station became Radio
Caroline South. He was frequently mentioned on the air and one of his most memorable
achievements was mixing the Jimmy Smith Trio, as they performed live from the deck of the Mi
Amigo. Jimmy's Hammond organ was too large to fit down the corridor into the studio so
the session had to take place out on the deck. (You can hear a brief extract from this
session on the Simon Dee audio clip.) Martin also spent some
time on Caroline North before transferring to Radio London in September 1965. Here he was
responsible for completing the construction of a new on-air studio. In 1966 he was one of
the team who visited Radio City's fort, Shivering Sands, to inspect the technical
facilities. Big L was planning to buy the installation to launch UKGM, a sweet music station,
but fate intervened. (See the entry on Reg Calvert for more details
and a photo.) Martin stayed with Radio London until its closure. Since then he has worked
in the field of studio installation, both in the UK and abroad. He died from cancer on Sunday
8th December 2002. Our sympathies and condolences go to his family and friends.