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http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=27-apr-2012&s=5579
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=27-apr-2012&s=5579
27-Apr-2012
Grant “Yogi” Martin Rest In Peace (1953 approx. - 2012) – New Zealandby Harley Jones |
 Grant “Yogi” Martin passed away on 25th April of a heart attack. Funeral is Sunday 29th April, 10.30am, Waikare Marae, Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata.Yogi Martin was an accordionist with a huge talent with his own unique style, who had toured within New Zealand as well as to UK, China, Australia and other parts of the world, always to excellent acclaim. Above is a video clip of Yogi. Yogi's interest in the accordion was first aroused when he heard veteran New Zealand accordionist Silvio de Pra play. Silvio's wife Lesley is his aunt. His first teachers were Dot Braithwaite and Dan Whellan and then he studied with Peter Torckler for some time. Several of Yogi's family had played accordion including an aunt, Emily Herewini who played for dances in the Waikato area from about World War II times until the 1970's. As one of Peter Torckler's top students he competed with success at local and national competitions in the 1960's and commenced professional playing about 1970. Even then, Yogi was determined to have a distinctive style and his success meant the accordion became his main source of income throughout his life. Yogi achieved successes overseas, earning second in the finals of the 1979 “New Faces” TV competition in Melbourne, Australia and was the featured artist at the NAO North West Championships in Fleetwood, UK in 2007 as well as numerous successes professionally in China and elsewhere. An unreliable personality, especially in his younger days, prevented Yogi Martin from achieving the fame and success his superb performing skills would have expected, however, his most engaging personality, with a very likeable sense of humor, meant he was well loved by all who knew him. Audiences enjoyed his music immensely and for that reason, we have placed the video clip online. Grant “Yogi” Martin always gave great pleasure to his listeners and his music was a superb advertisement for accordion. Yogi Martin RIP. Picture of Suzie and Yogi Martin attending the 2007 Roland Competition in Rome. |
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