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Arts & Entertainment

Chelmsford Country Star Continues Success

Local singer-songwriter continues bringing country music to the North.

Waiting for hours in the freezing rain to sing in front of thousands at Fenway Park is just another day in the life of country singer-songwriter Jilly Martin.

The 24-year old Chelmsford native has been performing for about two decades, and has racked up a unique collection of experiences for her vocal resume - including singing for many New England professional sports teams.

Martin said she started singing in her local church when she was 7, accompanied by her grandmother on the piano. However, according to her mother Sandy Martin, her talent was blossoming even earlier.

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“I noticed her voice at just two years old. She would play drums and sing along with her grandmother. Even then you could tell she just had perfect pitch," said Sandy Martin.

Though they may offer different ages on exactly when her talent sprouted, one fact both mother and daughter agree on is the amount of success the years since have brought.

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“I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities the last few years, and I’m so lucky to have the love and support of my family," said Jilly Martin.

Some of Martin's opportunities have included opening for major country artists Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert and Gretchen Wilson, singing the national anthem in professional arenas for the Bruins and Red Sox, and scoring a role as a noticeable extra in the 2010 film Country Strong.

Other past achievements including winning a national junior country music contest in Las Vegas at 14, performing numerous shows around New England with the John Penny Band, and recording with Nashville music icon Lance Barry, who works with major artists such as Randy Travis.

“Jilly has given us things we would never have had the chance to do without her,” said her mother. “She always includes her family, and she is so good to her brothers.”

Martin also admits that much of her success should be attributed to those around her.

“My biggest success I would say is balancing my career with my family," she said.

For Martin, balancing is more than just a time struggle, but a distance one as well. She spends much of her time bouncing between Nashville, Tenn., to work on song writing and recording, and Chelmsford, where she resides with her family.

Though Martin's music, which she describes as “classic country with country pop elements,” is often rooted in the south, she believes that growing up in Chelmsford has had a positive impact and influence on her career.

“Chelmsford is just such a great place to grow up,” she said. “I realize this every time I go to Nashville. I have had so much support and so many great opportunities here.”

One aspect of the town Martin is especially thankful for is community support.

“I have always had so much help from people in Chelmsford, from my fourth grade teacher allowing me to yodel in class to other members keeping in touch with me and my career online when I am away," she said.

A true Merrimack Valley native, Martin graduated from nearby University of Massachusetts Lowell with a degree in Business Management. She said she hopes to combine her knowledge of business with her talent of singing and land a job in the music business field.

“Singing will always be my passion, whether or not it is successful,” she said.

While waiting for her chance at a big contract, Martin continues her success by constantly writing songs, practicing her vocals, and of course, belting familiar songs almost every chance she gets.

Currently, Martin is in the running for a spot to sing the national anthem at a professional NASCAR event for the Speedway Star competition out of Louden, N.H. After a crippling-cold audition, Martin beat many other local singers to get into the top six finalists. Her video can be seen and voted for at www.nhms.com.

Even with all her current and past accomplishments, including that fateful rainy Red sox game her daughter pushed through, Sandy Martin believes that it is her daughter’s caring and driven personality that will lead to her ultimate success.

“She is such a loving, talented person, and that is what makes me the most proud," said Sandy Martin.

Hear Jilly Martin's music at www.jillymartin.com.   

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