By Darcy Hickey
A&E Assistant
Pepperdine alumnus Cory Martin is living the dream he didn’t know he wanted.
After graduating from Pepperdine in 2001, Martin heard about an opening in a Christian singing group that he had grown up admiring, Acappella. He decided to send in an audition tape for fun, not expecting anything to come of it.
One month later, Martin was asked to fly to Nashville, Tenn., for a second audition.
“I was shocked by this phone call, because this was the last thing that I expected to happen in my life at that time,” Martin said. “I was surprised I actually had a chance to belong to a group with such talented and godly men.”
When he stepped off the airplane, the first person Martin saw was group founder Keith Lancaster.
“I was amazed at the opportunity to meet someone I had heard about and admired for so long,” Martin said.
Lancaster brought Martin to his house where the rest of Acappella was there to greet him. He was placed in the middle of the living room — all eyes on him — and was asked to sing a song of his choice.
Martin withstood the pressure and confidently sang the Acappella tune, “Walking the Line.” After singing a few songs with the entire group, he was accepted as one of three backup vocalists.
“It felt like I was just thrown into this situation, because it happened so fast,” Martin said. “I knew that God had plans for me that I did not yet understand.”
Martin still cannot believe that he is in Acappella. He remembers frequently listening to the group as a child.
“Acappella was to me what Britney Spears is to many kids today,” Martin said. “I was enamored by them. I remember sitting in my room and trying to memorize every vocal part of every single song on a tape that my friend gave me.”
Martin quickly ended up wearing the tape out, making it unplayable.
Being in Acapella was not a dream of Martin’s when he was young, however, because it felt too unreachable. He simply enjoyed analyzing the group’s songs; the songs that sparked his interest in a cappella music.
As a sophomore in college, Martin transferred to Pepperdine from Murray State University in Kentucky.
“I realized that I needed to be at a Christian institution,” Martin said. “There were many options that are closer to home, but God led me to Pepperdine. I am so grateful that I listened.”
Although he studied computer science and mathematics instead of music, Martin could not stand being away from music, and joined choir.
Being in choir at Pepperdine helped to further develop Martin’s a cappella skills.
“I owe Milton Pullen and Lincoln Hanks much appreciation,” Martin said. “I feel that I grew immensely as a singer under their direction.”
After graduation and until his flight to Nashville, Martin enjoyed offering technical support to the Admissions Office on campus.
Life in Acapella has been surreal to Martin.
“It is unthinkable that I get paid to sing, which I have done all of my life, simply for pleasure,” he said.
Martin said he loves traveling around the country with six godly, comedic and incredibly talented people.
Martin is not sure what he will do when his contract with Acappella expires this May, but he is confident that it will involve computer science or music.
For now, though, Martin is just along for the ride, enjoying the blessings and opportunities that God has graced him with.
“It is more than I could have ever asked for,” Martin said.
Personal:
Name: Cory Martin
Age: 23
Hometown: Murray, Ky.
Thing he misses most about Calif.: In ‘n’ Out.
Biggest pet peeve: Lack of communication.
Instruments he played in the past: Saxophone, clarinet and percussion.
Things that make him laugh the most: “Smart humor; the kind that makes you think,” Martin said.
Favorite shows: “Frasier,” “Seinfeld” and “The Simpsons.”
Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption.”
Favorite scripture: Joshua 3:5, which he says is a good attitude for daily life.
Favorite Acappella song: “Rescue.”
Favorite place he’s been with Acappella: Bethany College in Lorsburg, Kan. “Everyone was in a great mood and all were so godly; the faculty/student relationship was awesome,” Martin said.
Acappella info: The musical group was founded in 1982 by Keith Lancaster.
Acappella’s last CD: “Live from Paris.”
Where to catch Acapella next: Mineola, N.Y., Jan. 18
Find them on the Web: www.Acappella.com.
Personal shout-out: “I just want to thank Pepperdine so much. The university as a whole prepared me for anything, but most importantly, for this ministry. Thank you for your support.”
January 23, 2003
