Mick Martin Obituary-Death News; Mick Martin, Blues Party Host/Producer at Sacramento’s K-ZAP Dies
With deep sadness and tremendous admiration, Sacramento’s arts and music communities are mourning the passing of Mick Martin, the voice behind The Blues Party on K-ZAP and a towering figure in California’s blues scene.
Mick passed away peacefully in Sacramento at the age of 77, leaving behind a rich legacy of music, storytelling, and tireless support for fellow artists. Born and raised in West Sacramento, Mick Martin’s impact stretched far beyond his hometown.
Over the decades, he earned a reputation as a gifted musician, broadcaster, educator, and writer, with a magnetic presence that inspired countless fans, students, and peers. Mick began his journey into media and storytelling by studying journalism at Sacramento City College.
He went on to become a respected film critic and program host at KTXL Channel 40 and the Sacramento Union Newspaper, where his articulate reviews and deep love for cinema earned him a loyal following.
Later, he would share that same passion with students as a professor in the Journalism Department at American River College, mentoring future journalists with generosity and humor.
But it was the music—especially the blues—that truly defined Mick Martin’s life. As the long-time host and producer of The Blues Party on Sacramento’s K-ZAP, he brought soulful storytelling and electrifying performances to the airwaves each week.
His gravelly voice, encyclopedic knowledge of blues history, and unmatched ear for talent made him a cornerstone of the station and a beloved voice across Northern California.
An accomplished singer-songwriter, Mick fronted his own band, releasing numerous albums under Blues Rock Records and performing at clubs, festivals, and venues across the West Coast.
He was also a proud member of the Sacramento Blues Society, where he championed local talent and helped elevate the city’s reputation as a vibrant hub for blues music. Mick’s artistry extended beyond music and journalism—he was also an author, publishing work through Ballantine Books/Random House.
His writing reflected the same passion and perceptiveness that made his broadcasting and lyrics so memorable: rich in detail, steeped in experience, and laced with both joy and melancholy.
Throughout his life, Mick Martin wore many hats—critic, teacher, radio host, musician—but perhaps none fit so well as ambassador. He was an ambassador of blues, of storytelling, of Sacramento’s cultural spirit.
He brought people together with honesty, rhythm, and a love of art in all its forms. In a city that often struggles to define its cultural identity, Mick was the identity—raw, real, and deeply soulful.
He is survived by his loving family, dear friends, musical collaborators, and a legion of fans who tuned into The Blues Party not just for the music, but for Mick’s warmth, insight, and unmistakable voice.
Tributes have poured in across social media and local stations, remembering Mick not only as a musical force but as a kind, witty, and deeply thoughtful man. “He made Sacramento feel like home to every blues lover,” wrote one longtime fan. “He taught us how to listen—not just to music, but to each other.”
K-ZAP will honor Mick Martin with a special on-air tribute and a commemorative celebration of The Blues Party. The Sacramento Blues Society is also planning a memorial concert in his name, with details to be announced soon.
Mick Martin may have signed off for the last time, but his voice, his music, and his heart will continue to echo across Sacramento’s airwaves and stages for years to come. He leaves behind a city forever changed by his presence—and infinitely better for it.
