John Hofmann “Johnny Martin”

1927-2015

“Johnny Martin” (born John Hofmann), one of the last “boy singers” of the Big Band Era, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Sacramento home on September 10th at the age of 88. John leaves an extended family, friends and fans acquired over a 65 year career as a Swing and Jazz singer, a broadcast and marketing executive, and prominent San Francisco clubman. Survivors include his wife Astride of Sacramento; son Paul (Athena), grandson Kingsley of Los Angeles; son Charlie (Jenni) of San Francisco; daughter Satomi (Christopher) of New York City and twin sister Mickey of Los Angeles. He was predeceased by brother Walter and sister Leisl.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1927, John’s family emigrated from Germany to the United States prior to WWII. Growing up in Canton, Ohio, he developed fluency in seven languages and immersed himself in the pop music of the day, even singing “standards” in foreign languages. He also studied alto saxophone.

After a US Army stint, singing for the troops in Korea, and later working in intelligence in Washington, DC, he was spotted by Tommy Dorsey. John was asked to join his orchestra in the early 1950s, following in the footsteps of Frank Sinatra and Dick Haymes. He changed his name to Johnny Martin and began performing as a single act, often headlining at nightclubs like Chicago’s Chez Paree, Paris’ Lido and Miami’s Fontainebleau. John performed with Benny Goodman, who was not only impressed by John’s ability to play the alto sax, but also his proficiency to read music, a rarity among performers in the 50s. Benny hired him on the spot without an audition. His work with Goodman included performing at the 1959 Brussels World’s Fair. A longtime association with Danny Kaye’s live shows as a featured singer followed in the ‘60s, as did a Broadway acting role as a second male lead in “Bloomer Girl”. John was also generous with sharing his wartime memories with history students from St. Mark’s school in San Rafael, where he is fondly remembered in the oral history project.

John moved to San Francisco in the early ‘70s to work in broadcasting sales and management at stations including KKHI Radio. He was instrumental in developing campaigns such as the partnership between KKHI and the San Francisco Symphony. Later positions included executive jobs in the advertising and marketing firms, Inmark Services, Co-Active Marketing and mktg.com. John continued his affiliation with Rex Allen’s Swing Express and the Walt Tolleson Orchestra, with whom he appeared at many St. Francis Yacht Club events. As a yacht club member and yachting enthusiast, John served on race committees, and also performed for Stag and Couples Cruises regularly. He headlined the club’s annual and always sold-out “En Cabaret” show for 12 year; the last one being 2012 when John was 85.

For many years, John and Astride drew scores of friends to their lively house parties at The Cove in Tiburon, before moving to Sacramento in 2013. Those who knew John well knew his true passion in life was his music, and the knowledge that he was blessed with luck and timing to be able to perform.

If you happen to hear a songbird singing Hoagy Carmichael’s “Skylark”, you may be hearing John singing his favorite tune.

Private services pending. Donations to Best friends Animal Sanctuary in honor of the life of John Hofmann.