In Memoriam : Andrea Martin, acclaimed singer-songwriter (1972 – 2021)

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Andrea Martin, the singer-songwriter from Brooklyn who wrote hits for some of R&B’s biggest names, died Monday, according to an announcement on her Instagram page.

She was 49.

“Dear Family and Friends, it is with a heavy heart we inform you of the passing of our beautiful Andrea Martin also known as ‘Annie,’ ” the statement read.

“Andrea will always be remembered for her passion and dedication to her family and friends. Her impact will continue to be felt and heard for a lifetime.”

“We thank you in advance for your condolences, love, compassion and understanding during this time,” the message continued.

“Please limit calls as we are trying to finalize arrangements at this time, Once finalized, we will be sure to post arrangements.

“Forever a legend. April 14 – September 27,” the post concluded. A cause of death was not given.

A cause of death has not been released.

Andrea Martin was an acclaimed songwriter

Andrea Martin was acclaimed songwriter whose hits reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with “Don’t Let Go (Love)” by En Vogue rising all the way to No. 2.

Martin wrote songs for Toni Braxton, Melanie Fiona, Sean Kingston, Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson.

She was also behind Before You Walk Out My Life by Monica, Another Level’s Be Alone No More, which got to number six in the UK 1998, and Leona Lewis’s Better in Time, which reached number two in 2008. And Martin worked with X Factor winner Alexandra Burke on her 2009 debut album, Overcome.

A Gifted Singer

After establishing herself as a songwriter, Martin launched herself in the game as a singer and came out with her debut album, The Best of Me, in 1998.

While discussing her craft during a panel at the 2011 ASCAP Expo, Martin said that the most important aspect of making music is speaking from the heart.

“Sing from the heart. I don’t care if it’s rock, country or whatever, those are the best records that come from the heart,” she said. “It’s okay to go in the booth and just to freestyle.”

Rest in peace.