Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Daniel Lee Martin, Country Singer, Commits Suicide Amid Child Sex Abuse Probe

Daniel Lee Martin
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Country singer Daniel Lee Martin, according to the Florida office of Pasco Sheriff, has died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, via TMZ. His body was found on Friday by police who were at his home serving him with a warrant.

Martin was initially arrested on 27 January after the alleged victim, who is a minor, told police that the singer had exposed himself while the two were sitting on a sofa next to each other. Martin fondled himself while showing her pornographic movies, according to the alleged victim.

He was arrested in connection with obscenity for lewd and lascivious exhibition and prohibition of certain acts, though he was released on $15,000 bail within hours. His charges included sexual exploitation on a minor, aggravated sexual battery, and solicitation of a minor to commit rape.

Originally, the trial on those charges was set for March.

Martin, a former professional baseball player and golfer, has turned to a modest country music career starting in 1997. He was the first artist to sign with ChinMusic Records, where he released two albums; All That I Am (2003) and On My Way to You (2007). Martin also toured with the likes of Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, and Vince Gill during his tenure on stage, according to his online biography on AllMusic. He also played the 2004 CMA Festival, as well as the Nashville, TN Annual Fan Fair.

Martin then went on to television, having hosted a pair of outdoors theme television shows, including Brotherhood Outdoors by The Sportsman Channel, as well as Till Death Do Us Part, an online series broadcast on CarbonTV with now ex-wife Julie McQueen.

Latest Stories

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt "Always On My Mind" Cover

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt “Always On My Mind” Cover

In 2013, Lukas Nelson proved that talent truly runs in the family when he delivered a moving rendition of his father Willie Nelson’s classic hit, “Always On My Mind.” Performed ...

Alan Jackson and George Strait's "Murder on Music Row" Honors True Country

Alan Jackson and George Strait’s “Murder on Music Row” Honors True Country

When George Strait and Alan Jackson came together to perform “Murder on Music Row,” it wasn’t just another duet—it was a moment that sent ripples through country music history. These ...

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban Unite for "He Stopped Loving Her Today"

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban Unite for “He Stopped Loving Her Today”

In October 2010, the Country Music Hall of Fame became the setting for a moment of country music magic. Three legendary artists—Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban—joined forces for ...

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind"

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”

Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” is one of those rare songs that seems to transcend time, weaving its way into the hearts of listeners for decades. Covering such an ...

Garth Brooks' Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

Garth Brooks’ Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

In 2021, Allie Colleen, the youngest daughter of country legend Garth Brooks, proved that musical talent runs in the family. With her single “Ain’t the Only Hell (My Momma Raised),” ...

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's "Does He Love You" Is the Collaboration We've Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

When Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton team up, it feels like the stars have aligned over Nashville. These two queens of country music, with careers that have shaped the genre ...

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

In 2019, Ben Haggard delivered a performance at the Grand Ole Opry that felt like a love letter to his roots and a bold step toward his future. His song, ...

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

In a time when country-pop dominates the charts, Mo Pitney stands out as a refreshing reminder of what makes traditional country music timeless. In an episode of Country Road TV ...

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...