Martin grew up in 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 1980s at KGVL 1400 AM in Greenville, Texas, working 6:00 p.m. to midnight running the board for religious programs.
When Howard Stern was picked up by KYNG, The Russ Martin Show moved from its morning drive slot to 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
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.
[11] 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 album.
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.
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.
[16] 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.