John Martin was born in Athens Georgia.He grew up in his early years in Bogart,Ga., then moved to Dahlonega,Ga.where he started his musical journey.He knows almost everyone from both towns.As a small child,his family knew he was destined for stardom.He would sing all the time,and was performing live at the age of 10.He won the first talent show he ever entered,then began singing full time.John started writing songs at the age of 12 .He seems to have a gift for the songwriting as he has written over 400 songs since that time.John Martin,being from a small town,grew up on the legends such as George Jones,Vern Gosdin,Waylon Jennings,Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard,and Johnny Cash. Martin,known for his exceptional songwriting capability,headed off to Nashville in the fall of 2004 to record his first album titled "No Fear".He then came back to Georgia and put together what is known as The Southern Drive Band. The band has played in Texas,Tennessee,Indiana,Iowa,Louisianna,Alabama,Kentucky,Mississippi,Virginia,North and South Carolina,Florida,and Georgia playing some of the countrys most recognized honky tonks such as Billy Bob's Texas,and the Longhorn Saloon.They have been the opening act for country legends Pam Tillis, Asleep at the Wheel,Tony Stampley,John Berry,and Chris Cagle.The band has played for troops aboard the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman naval aircraft carrier 200 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean.They have been seen at the Bluebird Cafe,The Nashville Palace,Cowboy Bill's in Key West,The Boothill Saloon in Daytona Beach,as well as the world famous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville Tennessee. John is also a member of the Metro Atlanta Country Music Club,and is affilliated with BMI in Nashville,and in New York .Now,in 2010,John is a seasoned veteran and truly knows the ropes in country music.John has the greatest thing you can have in the music biz,-"Friends".He will be the first guy to tell you that you just can't do it all by yourself.It takes time and alot of teamwork.John Martin is one of those guys that will be around for a long time to come.He's sure to be a pioneer in country music.John now resides in Athens, Ga.,and is currently recording songs for his new album.He has also just signed a recording contract with Cowboy Up Records in Texas.John Martin is a singer,a songwriter,and a father.Somehow he makes it all work for him.John Martin and his Southern Drive Band are probably playing a honky tonk near you tonight.After all,they've got a Honky Tonk Phd!