View source for Russ Martin

{{Short description|American talk radio host (1960–2021)}}
{{About|the radio personality|other people with the same name|Russell Martin (disambiguation){{!}}Russell Martin}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox presenter
| name        = Russ Martin
| alias       = 
| image       = 
| caption     = 
| birth_name  = Russell Dale Martin
| birth_date  = {{Birth date|mf=yes|1960|10|04}}
| birth_place = [[Dallas]], [[Texas]], U.S.
| death_date  = {{Death date and age|2021|2|27|1960|10|04}}
| death_place = [[Frisco, Texas|Frisco]], [[Texas]], U.S.
| show        = ''The Russ Martin Show''
| station     = {{ubl|[[KEGL]] ({{start date|1987}}{{ndash}}{{end-date|2000}})|[[KLLI-FM]] ({{start date|2000}}{{ndash}}{{end-date|2008}})|[[KEGL]] ({{start date|2010}}{{ndash}}{{end-date|2021}})}}
| timeslot    = Monday – Friday <br> 5:00pm – 7:00pm
| show2       = 
| station2    = 
| timeslot2   = 
| style       = [[Talk_radio#Hot_talk|Hot talk]]
| country     = United States
| prevshow    = 
| website     = {{url|https://kegl.iheart.com/featured/the-russ-martin-show/}}
}}
'''Russell Dale Martin''' (October 4, 1960 – February 27, 2021) was an American radio personality in [[Dallas, Texas]]. He worked in the Dallas radio market for 31 years. Martin hosted the No. 1-rated ''The Russ Martin Show'' on [[KRLD-FM|KLLI]] ''Live 105.3'' in Dallas, until December 8, 2008, when KLLI switched to an all-sports format. On July 12, 2010, Martin returned to radio with his afternoon (3:00{{nbsp}}p.m.{{ndash}}7:00{{nbsp}}p.m.) show on 97.1 "The Eagle" ([[KEGL]]).

==Early life and career==
Martin grew up in [[Pleasant Grove, Dallas|Pleasant Grove]], a large, working-class neighborhood in southeast Dallas, where he graduated from [[W.W. Samuell High School]]. Martin's radio career began in the {{decade|1980}} at [[KGVL]] {{frequency|1400|AM}} in [[Greenville, Texas]], working 6:00{{nbsp}}p.m. to midnight running the board for religious programs.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

In {{year|1982}}, Martin was hired by [[KRVF|KTLR]] {{frequency|107.1|FM}} in [[Terrell, Texas]], to play country music on weekends. A year later, in {{year|1983}}, he was hired by [[KAAM]] {{frequency|1310|AM}} in Dallas as a part-time weekend disc jockey. In {{year|1986}}, Martin was hired for another part-time position by the [[Satellite Music Network]] for an oldies format, and later worked part-time for Z-Rock while still working at KAAM and KAFM.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

In {{year|1987}} Martin was hired by [[Top 40]] station [[KEGL]], ''The Eagle'', in Dallas. He also hosted a talk show on Sunday nights at KEGL. He hosted the television shows Hot TV and Hot Tickets which ran from {{start date|1988}} to {{end date|1994}} on the then local FOX affiliate [[KDAF]].<ref>Published on December 5, 2004, Page 1D, Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX)</ref>

==''The Russ Martin Show''==

The first incarnation of ''The Russ Martin Show'' began following the departure of ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]'' from KEGL. In 1997 he was asked to fill morning drive time slot. Within two years, Martin's ratings had surpassed those of Dallas veteran radio personality [[Ron Chapman]].<ref name="DallasMorningNews_1999" />

In 2000, Martin left KEGL following a contract dispute. ''The Russ Martin Show'' reappeared on KYNG, a station that had previously been country-western music. Martin began his first show at KYNG on April 6, 2000, once again filling the morning drive time slot. When Howard Stern was picked up by KYNG, ''The Russ Martin Show'' moved from its morning drive slot to 3:00{{nbsp}}p.m.{{ndash}}7:00{{nbsp}}p.m. In 2003, KYNG changed its call letters to KLLI and took on the Live 105.3 branding.

''The Russ Martin Show'' had consistently high ratings for KLLI since his show debuted on 105.3.<ref name="DallasMorningNews_2002" /> In August 2005, [[D Magazine]] named Martin best radio talk show host in the DFW area.<ref name="BestOfBigD" />

In December 2008, Live 105.3 changed its format to include more live sports programming, and Martin was eliminated during the switch.<ref name="FormatSwitch2008" /> Subsequently, his former staffer spoke out against him.  "Stuff he'd say to us on the air he wouldn't say to us in the hall, because he's a coward," says J.D. Ryan, Martin's radio right-hand man for 25 years. "To him everything was a bit, but eventually he crossed the line. It became personal. He made it clear that being successful wasn't enough. For him to be truly happy, those around him also had to fail miserably."<ref name="DallasObserver" />

On July 1, 2010, KEGL ran a promo announcing the return of The Russ Martin Show. The show began airing on July 12, 2010, in the 6:00{{nbsp}}a.m.{{ndash}}10:00{{nbsp}}a.m. time slot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kegl.com/pages/russ_martin_show.html |title=The Russ Martin Show - 97.1 THE EAGLE ROCKS Dallas/Fort Worth |accessdate=September 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613143903/http://www.kegl.com/pages/russ_martin_show.html |archivedate=June 13, 2011 }}</ref>

On September 14, 2011, KEGL started airing best-of-episodes of The Russ Martin Show during the show's daypart for an extended period of time. On September 22, 2011, KEGL's then-program director Chris Ryan, announced the Russ Martin Show would be moving to the 3:00{{nbsp}}p.m.{{ndash}}7:00{{nbsp}}p.m. time slot beginning September 26, 2011.

On November 17, 2014, KEGL's sister station [[KFXR (AM)|KFXR-AM]] began airing previous afternoon episodes of the show weekdays from 7:00{{nbsp}}a.m.{{ndash}}11:00{{nbsp}}a.m.<ref name="Relaunch_2014" />

Starting in 2016, Russ began having various medical issues<ref name="KXAS-TV" /> and missed several shows throughout the year. Dan, Clo, and Alfie carried the show, with help from Scott West on occasion, and remained at the top of the ratings despite Russ' absences.

In addition to Russ Martin, cast members include Dan O'Malley, Clo Raborn, Alfie Coy, and Jerry Caldwell. The show has a number of recurring guests including Dr. Scott Thornton, Everett Newton, Captain Mark Howard, Mark Verma, Scott West, and Ty Jäger.<ref>[http://www.kegl.com/onair/the-russ-martin-show-53764/ Russ Martin Show website] Page accessed April 7, 2015</ref>

On January 15, 2020 Jerry Caldwell and Ty Jäger were released from the show as a result of sweeping iHeartRadio budget cuts.

The theme song for ''The Russ Martin Show'' is Fire and Mercy by [[William Orbit]] from the 1987 [[Strange Cargo (William Orbit album)|Strange Cargo]] album.

==Charity work==
Martin founded The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation in 2002, which benefits the families of [[police officer]]s and [[firefighter]]s who have died in the line of duty. The Foundation also coordinates an annual parade called the ''Heroes Day Parade''. In 2006 he formed ''The Russ Martin Show Experience'', a band made up of RMS cast members, regular guests and local musicians. The band performs rock cover songs at live venues and at an annual "White Trash Party" to raise money for charity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.live1053.com/pages/866909.php|title=Live 105.3|publisher=}}</ref> The shows benefit The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.russmartin.fm/|title=Russ Martin Show - Audio from the Russ Martin Show|website=www.russmartin.fm}}</ref>

==Interests==
Russ Martin's interests included {{decade|1960}} [[television]] show character [[Batman]] as portrayed by [[Adam West]], as well as his fascination with [[James Garner]] and the character [[Jim Rockford (television character)|Jim Rockford]].<ref name="DallasObserver" /> Martin also owned a collection of classic TV show cars such as a ''[[Dukes of Hazzard]]'s'' [[General Lee (car)|General Lee]] replica,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.russmartin.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=438&Itemid=96|title=RussMartin.INFO – 2007-04-03<!-- Bot generated title -->|publisher=}}</ref> the fastest 1966 [[Batmobile]] replica, a [[Munster Koach]] replica, and the [[Ford_Torino#1976|1976 Ford Grand Torino]] from [[Starsky and Hutch]].<ref name=autogenerated1 />

==Controversy==
The police of [[Southlake, Texas]], arrested Russ Martin while at Larry North Fitness on July 18, 2008, for charges of [[aggravated assault]]-[[bodily injury]]-deadly weapon following an incident occurring on July 14, 2008, concerning his then-girlfriend Mandy Blake.<ref name="StarTelegram2008" /> Martin was accused of pulling her hair, kicking her, and brandishing a pistol.<ref name="wfaa.com" />  According to the arrest warrant affidavit, on July 14, Martin called the woman and asked if she had followed up about a package he sent to the IRS. When she told him she had not, the document says, he allegedly told her, among other things, "You better hide, because when I get there I'm going to beat the shit out of you."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/the-alleged-events-leading-up-to-russ-martins-arrest-friday-morning-7097741|title=The Alleged Events Leading Up to Russ Martin's Arrest Friday Morning|first=Robert|last=Wilonsky|date=July 21, 2008|website=Dallas Observer}}</ref> His charges were later reduced to [[misdemeanor]] [[assault]]. Two weeks prior to Martin's scheduled court date he accepted a [[plea bargain]] and pleaded [[no contest]]. Martin was placed on two years of deferred [[probation]], and was required to complete a batterer's intervention program to clear his record. On February 10, 2009, nearly eight months after the incident, Mandy Blake filed a complaint with the Southlake police department, claiming she had been coerced into making a statement for what she considered a very minor incident.<ref name="wfaa.com" /> In an interview with Janet St. James, Martin stated that no one from the DA's office or Southlake police had ever contacted him to get his side of the story.<ref name="wfaa.com" />

==Death==
Martin had battled health problems for years,<ref name="KXAS-TV" /><ref name="KTVT" /> including heart surgery.<ref>{{Cite web | last1 = Venta| first1 = Lance| title=Ben & Skin Join KEGL; To Split Afternoons With Russ Martin Show | url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/184089/ben-to-split-afternoons-with-russ-martin-show/ | date = 2020-02-03 | access-date = 2021-03-02 | website = RadioInsight | language=en-US | df = mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="HeartSurgeryTweet">{{Cite tweet |author=  |author-link= |user= RussMartinShow |number= 751265634961416192 |date=2016-07-08 |title= My heart surgery is now on hold & I'm watching the breaking news on the Dallas Police Officer shootings. The RMS Foundation IS ready. |language= en-us |retweet= |location= |access-date= 2021-03-01 |link= |ref= | df = mdy-all}}</ref> He was found dead at his home in [[Frisco, Texas]] on February 27, 2021. Frisco Police Department said no foul play was suspected.<ref name="RussMartinDeath" />

==See also==
* [[List of radio stations in Texas]]
* [[KRLD-FM]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=  Collin County Office of the Medical Examiner, Case No. 2021-01024, County Medical Examiner, Dated 04/30/2021

<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url = http://www.russmartin.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=97 | url-access = | title = WHO IS RUSS MARTIN? | date = 2012 | website = RussMartin.info | language = en-us | access-date = 2021-03-03 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120220085844/http://www.russmartin.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=97 | archive-date = 2012-02-20 | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="RussMartinDeath">{{cite news |last1 = Jimenez | first1 = Jesus | date = 2021-02-27 | title = Russ Martin, Dallas-Fort Worth radio show host, found dead in his home, police say | url = https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2021/02/27/russ-martin-dallas-fort-worth-radio-show-host-found-dead-in-his-home-police-say/ | url-status = live | work = [[The Dallas Morning News]] | language = en-us | issn = 1553-846X  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210227191049/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2021/02/27/russ-martin-dallas-fort-worth-radio-show-host-found-dead-in-his-home-police-say/ | archive-date = 2021-02-27 | access-date = 2021-02-27 | quote = "It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of 97.1 The Eagle's Russ Martin," the station said in a written statement. "He will be dearly missed & we send our deepest condolences to his family & friends during this difficult time." | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="KXAS-TV">{{cite news | url = https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/the-eagle-host-russ-martin-dies-at-60-frisco-police/2565587/ | title= The Eagle Radio Host Russ Martin Dies at 60: Frisco Police | date = 2021-02-27 | work = [[KXAS-TV]]  | language = en-us |access-date= 2021-03-01 |url-status= live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210228170840/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/the-eagle-host-russ-martin-dies-at-60-frisco-police/2565587/ |archive-date= 2021-02-28 | quote = Following the broadcast, Dan O'Malley said the news was shocking but not unexpected for those who were close with Martin.  "Russ has been dealing with a lot of health issues over the last few years, so it's sad that it comes to its inevitable end. But at the same time, we're trying to find solace in knowing that he's at peace and that he’s no longer in pain," O'Malley said. | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="KTVT">{{cite news | last1 = Rodgers | first1 = Brooke | date = 2021-03-01 | title = 'It Was Just Disbelief': Fans, Texas Radio Personalities Mourn Passing Of Russ Martin  | url = https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/russ-martin-fans-radio-personalities-texas/ | url-status = live | work = [[KTVT]] | language = en-us | location = [[Dallas]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210302004317/https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2021/03/01/russ-martin-fans-radio-personalities-texas/ | archive-date = 2021-03-02 | access-date =  2021-03-02 | quote = Friends said the 60-year-old had suffered health problems in recent years, yet he rose to the occasion anytime a firefighter or police officer fell. And that, they said, will continue, even though he’s signed off for the last time. | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="wfaa.com">{{cite news |last1 = St. James | first1 = Janet | date = 2009-07-15 | title = News 8 exclusive: Russ Martin talks about battery charge | url = http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/64796212.html | url-status = dead | work = [[WFAA]] | language = en-us | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407075831/http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/64796212.html | archive-date = 2014-04-07 | access-date = 2021-02-27 | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="StarTelegram2008">{{cite news | last1 = Carlisle | first1 = Candance | date = 2008-07-27 | title = Russ Martin returns to radio after July 18 arrest | url = https://www.star-telegram.com/article3823826.html | work = [[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] | language = en-us  |volume= | issn= 0889-0013 | access-date = 2021-02-28 |url-access= registration | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="BestOfBigD">{{cite magazine | date = 2005-08-01 | editor = D MAGAZINE EDITORS | title = The Best of Big D 2005 - BEST RADIO YAKETY-YAKKER: Russ Martin | url = https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2005/august/the-best-of-big-d-2005/ | url-access = | url-status = live | magazine = [[D Magazine]] | language = en-us  | volume = | issue =  | issn = 0161-7826 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201125021506/https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2005/august/the-best-of-big-d-2005/ | archive-date = 2020-11-25 | access-date = 2021-03-02 | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="DallasObserver">{{cite news | last1 = Whitt | first1 = Richie | date = 2009-07-30 | title = Former shock Jock Russ Martin's Ego and Wallet Continue to Swell, Though He's Quietly Losing Relevance  | url = https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/former-shock-jock-russ-martins-ego-and-wallet-continue-to-swell-though-hes-quietly-losing-relevance-6419072 | url-status = live | work = [[Dallas Observer]] | language = en-us | issn = 0732-0299 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210227233505/https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/former-shock-jock-russ-martins-ego-and-wallet-continue-to-swell-though-hes-quietly-losing-relevance-6419072 | archive-date = 2021-02-27 | access-date = 2021-03-02 | quote = He's a vulgar, pompous bully who for years physically and psychologically tormented his Dallas radio co-workers to gain fame and fortune. "Stuff he'd say to us on the air he wouldn't say to us in the hall, because he's a coward," says J.D. Ryan, Martin's radio right-hand man for 25 years. "To him everything was a bit, but eventually he crossed the line. It became personal. He made it clear that being successful wasn't enough. For him to be truly happy, those around him also had to fail miserably." | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="DallasMorningNews_1999">{{cite news |last1 = Brumley | first1 = Al  | date = 1999-10-22 | title = KEGL morning team rises - Martin moves to fifth place over KVIL in summer ratings | url = https://archives.dallasnews.com/uncategorized/IO_5c221eed-9217-4306-9458-3e1608f457b5/ | format = PDF  | department = The Arts | work = [[The Dallas Morning News]] | language = en-us | page = 41A | issn = 1553-846X | access-date = 2021-03-03 | via = archives.dallasnews.com | quote = Russ Martin has arrived.  Two years after taking over for Howard Stern at "The Eagle" KEGL-FM (97.1), Mr. Martin ranked fifth overall this summer in the quarterly Arbiton ratings, beating out Dallas legend Ron Chapman at KVIL-FM (103.7). | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="DallasMorningNews_2002">{{cite news |last1 = Brumley | first1 = Al | date = 2002-01-27 | title = Hispanics get a greater listen - Despite flawed Arbitron sample, KLNO-FM moves into the top 10 | url = https://archives.dallasnews.com/uncategorized/IO_17cba02a-84a8-4f68-bb27-b6a00239219a/ | format = PDF | work = [[The Dallas Morning News]] | language = en-us | page = 4C | department = Arts Sunday | issn = 1553-846X | access-date = 2021-03-02 | via = archives.dallasnews.com | url-access = | quote = In other ratings news, Russ Martin shows no signs of slowing down as the area's afternoon-drive juggernaut at KYNG-FM (105.3).  Mr. Martin also ranked first among listeners 25 to 54, men 25 to 54 and men 25 to 49. | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="Relaunch_2014">{{cite news | url = http://www.dfw.com/2014/11/14/944168/reports-kfxr1190-am-to-relaunch.html | url-access = | title = Reports: KFXR/1190 AM to relaunch as "TalkRadio 1190" | last = Philpot | first = Robert | date = 2014-11-14 | work = [[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] | language = en-us | issn = 0889-0013 | access-date = 2021-03-02 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133546/http://www.dfw.com/2014/11/14/944168/reports-kfxr1190-am-to-relaunch.html | archive-date = 2015-04-02 | quote = KFXR/1190 AM, the only DFW AM station owned by iHeartMedia (formerly Clear Channel), is changing again: AllAccess.com and RadioInsight both reported this afternoon that as of Monday, the station will become TalkRadio 1190.  The station currently carries a mix of talk and business programming, but will go all-talk on Monday, with programming repurposed from other iHeartMedia stations. Most noteworthy for DFW listeners: The station will air reruns of the previous afternoon’s The Russ Martin Showfrom 7 to 11 a.m. weekdays. | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="FormatSwitch2008">{{cite news |last1 = Gordon | first1 = Scott | author-link1 = | date = 2008-12-08 | title = Martin Responds to 105.3 Format Changes | url = https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/1053-changes-format-drops-russ-martin/1847065/ | url-status = live | work = [[KXAS-TV]] | language = en-us | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200923124218/https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/1053-changes-format-drops-russ-martin/1847065/ | archive-date = 2020-09-23 | access-date = 2021-03-03 | quote = "The (Russ Martin) show is no longer with the radio station at this time," said David Henry, KLLI-FM's senior vice president and general manager. "We feel the sports format is the biggest possible audience we can get." | df = mdy-all}}</ref>

}}

==External links==
* [http://www.russmartin.fm/ Russ Martin Show FAQ and Audio Archives]
* [http://www.operationkindness.org/aboutus/aboutus.html Operation Kindness] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817062755/http://www.operationkindness.org/aboutus/aboutus.html |date=2007-08-17 }}
* [http://harderbeat.com/archive/march07/html/feature003.html Harder Beat Magazine article] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015202128/http://harderbeat.com/archive/march07/html/feature003.html |date=2007-10-15 }}
* [http://www.heroesparade.com/ The Heroes Parade]
* [http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/irving/stories/DN-westbrfs_07wes.ART.West.Edition1.443201c.html Reward Increased In Animal Cruelty Case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102054003/http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/irving/stories/DN-westbrfs_07wes.ART.West.Edition1.443201c.html |date=2008-01-02 }} from Dallas [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate [[WFAA]]
* [http://www.russmartin.com/ RussMartin.com]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Martin, Russ}}
[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:American talk radio hosts]]
[[Category:Radio personalities from Dallas]]