“He is really one of the genius songwriters of the Northeast.” ~Dave Palmater, WUMB FM-Boston

 

“A highly talented singer-songwriter from Lowell, Massachusetts, Bob Martin released Midwest Farm Disaster in 1972 — a record that is generally acknowledged as his masterpiece and a genre benchmark.” ~Aquarium Drunkard

 

​​“If he had been given the right opportunities, and received the right breaks, he could have been bigger than Dylan.” ~Charles Laquidara, WBCN Boston

 

“If we are to survive as a species and as a people we must recognize that we are all connected and are truly one. There is no distance between us. To love one another is not just an abstract ideal..it is the underlying reality.” ~ Bob Martin

 

Heralding from Lowell, Massachusetts, singer/songwriter Bob Martin has released four folk albums over four decades that earned him critical acclaim, and built a fan base for his music around the globe. Drawing heavy influence from hometown poet Jack Kerouac, Bob’s music seeks to capture the human experience and continues to find new fans across generations.

 

Martin was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2005. He spent many healthy years managing it through surgery, radiation, and excellent self-care. He went from vegetarian to strict vegan, meditated, and did yoga or walked almost every day. If you know Bob, you've heard his diatribes on eating healthy!

 

Recently, the effects of the tumor have progressed to a point where his quality of life is poor, and his cognition and mobility are in steady decline, yet his body is relatively healthy and strong. We are without further treatment options. Bob now needs around-the-clock care and may need it for many years.

 

Bob's career as a musician did not set him up for long-term health care or a robust retirement plan, and we hope to arrange for his care at home, or at a highly-rated, quality skilled nursing facility if absolutely necessary where he can get through these next years with dignity.

 

This GoFundMe campaign is being launched to support his care.

 

In honor of Bob’s 80th birthday on January 18, 2022 musicians, fans, family, and friends have rallied around his legacy to create a Tribute Train by submitting cover songs of his work. We will be posting these videos on his YouTube channel each week. Send us yours via his website Riversong and we will add to the tribute.

 

Follow along on his YouTube channel (@bobmartinsongs) and on his Facebook page (@bobmartinfolksinger) to enjoy an outpouring of support, with originals and Bob Martin cover songs from Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Wright, John McCutcheon, Si Khan, Sarah White, Sandy Spence, and many more.

 

At last conversation, Bob was able to understand the magnitude of this project, and he wanted to say

"thank you." We are so grateful you for your support.