Album Notes

In the many years I have been writing for other artists, the songs I recorded for "One Heart" have felt like "mine." They speak of my connection with all of creation. I humbly offer this album to you as a way of bringing us together...."we are all a part of one heart."

BIOGRAPHY

J.D. Martin is an award winning songwriter of 5 Number One and 10 Top Ten hit singles. Recently, his song "When You Lie Next To Me" reached the Top 10 with new country artist, Kellie Coffey. In 2001 J.D. released his first solo CD, "One Heart," a collection of original songs that he describes as "music from the heart and for the spirit." And in 2003, he released a new CD with his wife, Jan Garrett. "I Dreamed of Rain" is a powerful collaboration about taking a stand for a sane, balanced and compassionate world.

A native of Harrisonburg, VA, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, J.D. encountered his first musical influence singing unaccompanied hymns in the church where his father was the minister. Piano lessons began at age eight and continued on through his college years. Along the way, he developed a love of everything from classical music to black gospel to singer/songwriters like James Taylor.

While earning his B.A. in Music, J.D. was assigned to write a song. He took such pleasure in the effort that he was hooked for life. Following graduation, he joined a band called Tanglefoot, based in Aspen, CO. They toured for seven years, opening for artists such as Kenny Rogers. With this band, J.D. honed his songwriting skills, and moved to Nashville in 1980, determined to break into the music business.

By 1994, J.D. had established himself as one of Nashville's top songwriters. As a staff writer with MCA Music and later with Warner/Chappell Music, he co-wrote such hits as "Love Will Find It's Way To You" by Reba McEntire; "Nobody But You" and "Just As Long As I Have You," both performed by Don Williams; "Everyday" by the Oak Ridge Boys; "I'll Never Stop Loving You" and "Between Two Fires" by Gary Morris; and "You and Only You" by John Berry.

However, like the seekers he often portrays in his songs, J.D. wanted to experience new worlds. So, in 1994, he moved to Los Angeles, where he found a home in the world of pop music as well. Kathy Tracolli and Clay Cross recorded his duet, "One Heart," and Peter Cetera released "One Clear Voice," a Top Ten Adult Contemporary single. J.D. continued writing for country artists as well, and in July of 1998 Terri Clark's version of "Now That I Found You" reached #1.

Whatever style of music J.D. chooses, his songs have one unifying trait. "I'm attracted to writing about themes of the heart," he says. "Not only about love, but also of following dreams.....going through the dark times and coming out more real on the other side." He and his wife, singer/songwriter and teacher Jan Garrett, now live and create their music in the mountains of Colorado.