[1] Martin was a professional musician by the age of sixteen when he played drums for the big bands of Count Basie, Jimmy Dorsey, Les and Larry Elgart, Duke Ellington, Maynard Ferguson, Quincy Jones, and Billy May.

In the 1960s he worked with Gary Burton, Donald Byrd, Curtis Fuller, Herbie Hancock, Oliver Nelson, Sonny Rollins, Steve Swallow, and Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

In the 1970s he recorded with Carla Bley, Slide Hampton, and John McLaughlin.

After this project, he continued to play with the Trio and also toured with the rock band New York Gong.

[3] Martin died at the age of 42 in Paris[2] as the result of a heart attack.