Influenced as a child by singers she heard on radio and records, Martell decided upon a career in music. She has been quoted as saying that these singers included Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson. Later, however, as her musical studies progressed, she began working in a contemporary pop mode, absorbing the styles of Anita Baker, Patti LaBelle, James Taylor and others. During the 90s she lived and worked in New York City, playing nightclubs and other venues. She also enjoyed a successful visit to Denmark, appearing at the Copenhagen Blues Festival in 2002. …
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