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Herman Martinez Sr., a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, NM went home to be with the Lord and to receive his rewards on May 25th, 2017.
He was born on January 24th, 1945. Herman Martinez Sr. played an instrumental role in New Mexico Music, he began his music career at the age of 6 playing the trumpet. Mr. Martinez also formed Alta Vista Records (1967) and Chelly Publishing, he recorded various artists with 23 Gold Records, and 4 Grammy's. In 2016 he was also inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife Catherine Martinez; son Herman Martinez Jr. and Sonia; daughters Michelle and husband John E. Rael, Lizzie and husband Lorenzo Gallegos III; grandchildren Felicia and Nichole Martinez, Gabriel and Priscilla Rael, Amanda, Lorenzo IV, Melody and Tiffany Gallegos; and six great grandchildren.
A Service will be held on June 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Sagebrush Church 6440 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque, NM, reception to follow at the Moose Lodge 2121 Edith Blvd. NE.
Herman will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
From Cristy Records:
New Mexico has lost another great artist. Cristy Records sends our sincere condolences to the Martinez family. Herman Martinez Sr. played an instrumental role in New Mexico music! Herman Martinez Sr. began his music career at age 6 playing the trumpet with his uncle, Benny Martinez and the Benny Martinez Orchestra. He was also part of the first Mariachi’s in NM, Mariachi Del Norte. Martinez performed at the World’s Fair in Seattle in 1962. Martinez formed Alta Vista Records and has recorded artists with 23 Gold Records, 4 Grammy’s and several other well-known artists like the Blue Ventures, Purple Haze, Jackie, Ortega, Little Joe, Johnny Hernandez, Ramon and Lydia, Nick and Jamie (Herrera), Juan Salamon and many more. Martinez has performed for President Kennedy as well as recorded with Boston Philharmonic. The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame is grateful to of honored a great man into the Hall of Fame November 2016. Herman, may you rest in peace, vaya con Dios....
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Wanda Luke (Palmer)
Wow! Another great classmate gone. It reminds us again of how great our class really is!
Shari Weichman (Croker)
Fond memories of Herman. So sad to hear of his passing. Blessings to all his family.
Jo Allan Tsyitee
RIP Herman. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. I didn't know that Herman accomplished all that greatness for New Mexico and Valley through music. Congratulations Herman. I'm sure you are entertaining the Lord.
Verby Van Houten
Herman was a very accomplished musician with the trumpet when we were in band together at Garfield all three years. Also, he was just a very great guy and friend to have. Know he will be severely missed by his family and our condolences go out to all of them! Truly, another true Viking from class of 1964 has hung up his shield. My very best to his family. ----- Verby Van Houten
Abbie Caplin
herman martinez - another one of our greats that made our class so outstanding
i know his family is very proud of him - and we're all thankful he was in our lives
has anyone ever really looked at all the talented, wonderful, accomplished in life, family and business classmates we are?
we are so blessed to have been born, raised and schooled in the north valley - there's not a day goes by that i don't count my blessings and thank the Good Lord that when my dad was stationed at sandia in the 40's that they found a place in corrales and decided not to move back to NY -
abbie
Carolyn Bowra (Brasch)
Herman was one of the best trumpters I ever heard. At a young age you knew he was something special.. Farewell to one of the most talented and nicest members of the VHS clas of 1964.