Tori Martin on Country Music News International Radio Show!
November 1st interviewed by Nigel Sharpe for Country Music News International Radio Show
Saturday live show will be in German & English with Presenter Frank Hammer and the best in country music! 4 pm – 6 pm (CET) GER, 9 am – 11 am (CST) USA, 3 pm – 5 pm (GMT) UK!
For Country Music News International Radio Show follow link: https://stream.laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/
From Azle to Abilene: How Tori Martin Rode Texas Grit to Nashville Stardom
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the heart of modern country music, where traditional sounds meet contemporary drive, stands Tori Martin—a dynamic singer-songwriter who embodies the spirited blend of Texas grit and Nashville ambition. Having successfully transitioned from the local Texas music circuit to becoming a national chart contender, Martin’s journey is a powerful testament to persistence, passion, and the unwavering influence of classic country heroes.
The Foundation: Classics and the Call of Texas
Tori Martin’s story begins not in the neon glow of Nashville, but on the sunny shores of Florida, where she was born a military brat. However, her true musical identity was forged after her family settled in Azle, Texas, a small town just outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It was here that she found her voice—first in the local church choir, and then through the deep, soulful tutelage of her grandfather, or “Paw-Paw.”
Paw-Paw, a fiercely passionate country music fan and proprietor of a local establishment called Desperado’s, raised her on the likes of Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Waylon Jennings. This classic foundation proved instrumental. By the age of 14, Martin was already performing at Texas Opry houses, quickly developing the powerhouse vocal confidence that would define her career. This early exposure led to her recording her first EP in Nashville at just 16, quickly building a successful following across the Southwest.
American Idol and the Nashville Leap
Martin’s rising profile in the Texas scene led her to the national spotlight as a contestant on Season 14 of ABC TV’s American Idol. While her journey ended in the Hollywood round, the experience was invaluable, solidifying her resolve and providing a crash course in the entertainment industry. As Martin herself reflected, the show “thickened my skin and lit a fire within me to keep on going!”
By 2017, having built a solid local foundation, Martin took the necessary leap, moving to Nashville to focus on songwriting and elevating her craft. Armed with a positive outlook and a humble drive, she soon found herself co-writing with some of the city’s most respected tunesmiths. A serendipitous meeting at a mixer led to her working with producer Bill Warner and signing with the independent label, LuckySky Music. This partnership proved to be the catalyst for her breakout success.
Finding Her Voice: The Dolly Parton Ethos
An undeniable influence on Martin is the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. Martin’s admiration is so profound that she released the hit single, “What Would Dolly Do?” The song, inspired by a visit to Dollywood, is a personal mantra about confidence and staying true to oneself—a philosophy that permeates Martin’s own artistry.
This ethos of authenticity and self-belief shone through in her most successful releases. Her single “Lucky” achieved national recognition, climbing to No. 42 on the Billboard Indicator chart. However, it was her deep connection to her home state that truly catapulted her to prominence on the regional scene.
The Triple Crown of Texas Radio Success
In the latter half of 2024 and throughout 2025, Tori Martin cemented her status as a force in Texas music, earning significant accolades and chart positions:
- “Lost In The Country” (2024): This single reached No. 1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report (TRRR) chart, marking a major milestone in her career.
- “Abilene” (2025): The groove-oriented heartbreaker quickly followed suit, becoming her second TRRR No. 1 hit and reinforcing her dominance in the regional market. Martin was also honored as the TRRR’s 2025 “New Female Vocalist of the Year.”
- “Cowgirls Ride” (2025): Martin achieved her third consecutive Texas No. 1 with this anthem, which pays homage to the spirit of the Texas cowgirl—a unique spin on the authenticity of women who run the world.
Her most recent release, “Last Night In Laredo” (October 2025), continues her streak of vivid, narrative-driven country storytelling. Described as a “sister song” to “Abilene,” the track is a romantic ode to a fleeting rodeo fever dream, showcasing Martin’s ability to deliver heartfelt, nuanced vocals.
Tori Martin is a down-home sophisticate, an artist who can dazzle with high-energy performances while retaining the humble nature of the girl who grew up singing along to her Paw-Paw’s records. As she continues to carve out a unique path in Nashville, her success on the Texas charts proves that her heart remains rooted in the Lone Star State, and her music offers a fresh, authentic perspective for country fans everywhere.