John Martyn, born Iain David McGeachy on September 11, 1948, in New Malden, Surrey, was a pioneering British singer-songwriter and guitarist. Over his 40-year career, he released 23 studio albums, blending folk, blues, jazz, and rock to create a unique sound. Martyn began his career at 17, quickly becoming a key figure in the Scottish folk music scene. His early albums, such as “London Conversation” (1967) and “The Tumbler” (1968), showcased his distinctive style.

Martyn’s breakthrough came with albums like “Solid Air” (1973) and “One World” (1977), which incorporated jazz and rock influences and featured collaborations with artists like Phil Collins and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Despite personal struggles with substance abuse, Martyn continued to innovate and release music until his death in 2009. His emotive voice and experimental guitar techniques left a lasting impact on the music world.