Just as one might imagine a circus to be — upbeat, unexpected, accomplished, and exciting — Martin Family Circus aims to bring that same joy and a room full of fun with their heartwarming and lively “music that makes you smile!” This self-contained vocal-driven melodic band of 2 parents and 4 kids packs a punch with their rich stack of family harmonies in a soaring blend, which Rolling Stone magazine calls “exuberant.” Representing four generations of musical heritage, Martin Family Circus delivers soulful family harmony, steeped in traditional roots.
“Our house has always been like a live jukebox, with an all-you-can-play selection of musical instruments,” says Jamie. “Music completely covers our lives, so our kids have never known a day without it.”
Fueled by a mutual passion for many genres and longing for a fun, family-friendly musical experience for their kids, Paul and Jamie began singing together in 2010 with their four children: March (now 19), Kell (16), Texas (11), and Tallant (10). Quickly realizing that the kids all showed an uncanny knack for hearing harmonies and pitch, as well as for playing instruments, they began performing shows together. They were soon dubbed Martin Family Circus by Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, playfully teasing with them about their growing number of kids and the craziness that goes hand-in-hand with a large family.
“Ours is a real family, and we knew there was an unpredictable nature to working with our kids. But they were just crazy with passion, truly breathing through the music we were creating,” says Paul. “There was no other answer than for us to do this with them.”
So where did it all begin? Grammy-winning artist Paul Martin, lead singer/guitarist of country-pop group Exile, met and married Jamie Allen, daughter of Duane Allen of Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys. Their four children were exposed early to 4-generations of rich musical heritage, and they watched as each child showed God-given musical talents early on. Regional performances began to boom, leading to appearances on national television shows like The Oak Ridge Boys’ American Legion Christmas special, “The Marty Stuart Show,” “Country’s Family Reunion,” “Gaither Homecoming,” and “Larry’s Country Diner,” concerts at the US Library of Congress and the Country Music Cruise, performances at the Grand Ole Opry and fairs/festivals/performing arts centers across the eastern US, as well as singing the National Anthem for major sporting events, including the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs, and most recently invited by the First Lady to perform at The White House. After a rousing performance of “Elvira” to a packed house for the Oak Ridge Boys’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Billboard Magazine heralded them as “singing to the rafters,” getting a crowd of seasoned performers and music industry folks to their feet.
The Martin Family Circus’ newest CD project, Past, Present, Future, includes classic hits that inspired them to sing, current favorites that are inspiring them now, and some brand-new self-penned material that they hope will inspire a new generation.
Jamie says, “We feel like music is a universal language, food for the soul. So for us, it’s all about sharing our family’s joy and love of harmonies and instruments, and to hopefully spread a few smiles and make people happy in the process!”
“Exuberant” —Rolling Stone
“Showstoppers” —USA Today
“House Favorite” —Country Weekly
“I’ve had the pleasure to see the “Martin Family Circus” several times. I am amazed at how talented they are! GREAT vocals, and they actually involve the audience and ENTERTAIN you. So many acts just play music…not these guys (and girls!) It’s so nice to see a FAMILY show which is excellent for any age!” —Karl Shannon, HANK 96.1
“Great harmonies? It runs in the family. Great stage presence? It runs in the family. A truly entertaining show for all ages? It runs in the family. Martin Family Circus – it runs in the family! There’s nothing better than getting a front row seat to that kind of talent and energy.” —Rodney Lay, Jr., Cox Radio Tulsa
“Martin Family Circus got the invitation-only crowd involved, singing to the rafters.” —Billboard