Keyboardist, percussionist, trombonist and vocalist whose rocket to stardom with Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band was quickly grounded when he was struck by a speeding car while walking along a darkened highway. The fact that his spine was not severed was the good news. His bladder was punctured, femurs split in two, hips and pelvis shattered beyond recognition, and his legs had to be put back together with plates, rods, and wires. Martin was paralyzed from the waist down. Blood clotted, cutting off oxygen and leaving part of his spine for dead.
His dreams of performing, however, were very much alive. He had a piano brought into his hospital room and appeared with Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band at a concert before he was officially discharged. A limo sped him to the venue and he played keyboards on one of their songs. It was not the last time he would appear with them. They reunited for a concert at Pine Knob near the turn of the decade and Martin would continue to make stage appearances at various concerts, including a benefit for Vietnam Vets in 1985 and a benefit for disabled children in 1987, a concert he organized and promoted.
He continues to work as part of a youth assistance program that helps kids get off drugs and get on with their lives.
He appears on the albums Live Bullet and Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits.
Sources:
- http://www.segernet.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=3
- http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/artist/Charlie+Allen+Martin/a/Charlie+Allen+Martin.htm
- http://www.discogs.com/artist/Charlie+Allen+Martin
- http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-Night_Moves_Remaster_Bob_Seger_Silver_Bullet_Band