Gamblin, local music legend, dies at 80
Marty Gamblin, a Philadelphia native and prominent figure in the music industry, passed away last week at the age of 80.
Gamblin’s career in music began early, booking bands while he was still in high school. Over the years, he worked closely with Mississippi songwriter and performer Jim Weatherly, ran Glen Campbell’s publishing firm, and helped launch Alan Jackson’s career.
His influence spanned nearly 40 years across the entertainment hubs of Los Angeles and Nashville.
As a manager, Gamblin represented numerous other artists, including Bryan White, Dorothy Moore, Ruby Lovette, and Pearl River. He also served as the president of Glen Campbell’s publishing and management company for over two decades, according to his LinkedIn profile.
In his role as a publisher, GC Music was recognized as one of Billboard's top 10 publishers and achieved 16 number-one singles. Notable songs include ASCAP's Song of the Year for "Don't Rock the Jukebox" and "Chattahoochee."
Gamblin’s writers have been recorded by legendary artists such as The Temptations, Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes, Kenny Rogers, Cher, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Gladys Knight, Fleetwood Mac, and Randy Travis.
Gamblin managed a roster of renowned songwriters at GC Music, including Carl Jackson, Michael Smotherman, and Derek George. He also worked with catalogs from Hall of Fame songwriters like Gene Autry, Jimmy Webb, Jerry Fuller, Clyde Otis, and Jim Weatherly, who penned classics like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and “Highwaymen.”
From 1988 to 2003, Gamblin was a member of the advisory board at Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in Nashville and served as a guest lecturer at Middle Tennessee State University's Department of Recording Industry.
He has been a member of the Country Music Association since 1983 and was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame in 2006.
Gamblin was the founding executive director of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX), later transitioning to a consulting role for its Hall of Fame/Walk of Fame in 2019. He also began consulting for Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music that same year.
“The word statesman doesn’t get used very much these days, but Marty Gamblin was a statesmen in every sense of the word,” said country music star Marty Stuart. “He was such a noble character. His handshake was better than anybody’s contract, and whatever he told you he would do, he would do it with all his heart.”
Stuart said he and Gamblin both shared a deep love for music and praised Gamblin for having both a direct and indirect hand in shaping the creative legacy of Mississippi.
“From day one, we talked about the Congress of Country Music coming to life in Philadelphia,” Stuart said. “He was there from the first conversation.”
In a heartfelt Facebook post, The MAX leadership expressed their grief, saying, “Our hearts are broken. Join us as we extend our deep-felt sympathies to the huge community of family and friends from Philadelphia, MS, to Nashville, TN and beyond, who are mourning the loss of Marty Gamblin.”
“To know him was to love him. Rest in peace, our friend and fearless leader. You were instrumental in helping create and shape The MAX, and we will remain forever grateful while holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Gamblin lived in Philadelphia with his wife, Cherie. Their son Josh and his family live in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while their son Caleb is based in Nashville.