Russ Martin

Martin grew up in Pleasant Grove, a large, working-class neighborhood in southeast Dallas, where he graduated from W.W. Samuell High School. Martin's radio career began in the at KGVL in Greenville, Texas, working 6:00p.m. to midnight running the board for religious programs. ==The Russ Martin Show==

The first incarnation of The Russ Martin Show began following the departure of The Howard Stern Show from KEGL. In 1997 he was asked to fill morning drive time slot. Within two years, Martin's ratings had surpassed those of Dallas veteran radio personality Ron Chapman. On September 14, 2011, KEGL started airing best-of-episodes of The Russ Martin Show during the show's daypart for an extended period of time. On September 22, 2011, KEGL's then-program director Chris Ryan, announced the Russ Martin Show would be moving to the 3:00p.m.7:00p.m. time slot beginning September 26, 2011. On November 17, 2014, KEGL's sister station KFXR-AM began airing previous afternoon episodes of the show weekdays from 7:00a.m.11:00a.m. On January 15, 2020 Jerry Caldwell and Ty Jäger were released from the show as a result of sweeping iHeartRadio budget cuts. The theme song for The Russ Martin Show is Fire and Mercy by William Orbit from the 1987 Strange Cargo album. ==Charity work==

Martin founded The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation in 2002, which benefits the families of police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The Foundation also coordinates an annual parade called the Heroes Day Parade. In 2006 he formed The Russ Martin Show Experience, a band made up of RMS cast members, regular guests and local musicians. The band performs rock cover songs at live venues and at an annual "White Trash Party" to raise money for charity. The shows benefit The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation. ==Interests==

Russ Martin's interests included television show character Batman as portrayed by Adam West, as well as his fascination with James Garner and the character Jim Rockford. the fastest 1966 Batmobile replica, a Munster Koach replica, and the 1976 Ford Grand Torino from Starsky and Hutch. ==Controversy==

The police of Southlake, Texas, arrested Russ Martin while at Larry North Fitness on July 18, 2008, for charges of aggravated assault-bodily injury-deadly weapon following an incident occurring on July 14, 2008, concerning his then-girlfriend Mandy Blake. His charges were later reduced to misdemeanor assault. Two weeks prior to Martin's scheduled court date he accepted a plea bargain and pleaded no contest. Martin was placed on two years of deferred probation, and was required to complete a batterer's intervention program to clear his record. On February 10, 2009, nearly eight months after the incident, Mandy Blake filed a complaint with the Southlake police department, claiming she had been coerced into making a statement for what she considered a very minor incident. ==Death==

Martin had battled health problems for years, He was found dead at his home in Frisco, Texas on February 27, 2021. Frisco Police Department said no foul play was suspected. ==See also==