Longtime Dallas DJ Russ Martin was found dead at his home in Frisco on February 27; he was 60.
According to a police report, Frisco police responded to a phone call at Martin’s residence at the 6300 block of Douglas Avenue in Frisco, after a friend determined that he was unresponsive. Martin was pronounced dead on the spot; cause of death has yet to be determined, but foul play was not suspected.
Born Russell Dale Martin on October 4, 1960 and raised in Pleasant Grove, Martin was a Dallas radio personality for over 30 years. He rose to fame in the 1980s after joining rock station KEGL 97.1 “The Eagle”, where he did the morning run after The Howard Stern Show left the station in 1997.
He then hosted The Russ Martin Show on KLLI Live 105.3 in Dallas until 2008, when KLLI switched to sports and returned to the Eagle in 2010 to do the weekday afternoon show on The Eagle.
Martin also worked for the Satellite Music Network and part-time for Z-Rock.
Jeff Skin Wade, half of the Ben & Skin Show which airs from 2-5pm on weekdays, shared a thoughtful memorial, saying:
“We are saddened by the death of radio legend Russ Martin. For many years, Russ was a hilarious, beloved and life-size pioneer on the radio in DFW. When he didn’t make us all laugh, he showed a huge heart by working tirelessly in our work. community to support first responders and their families when they needed it most. We were lucky enough to work with one of the most influential radio hosts in DFW history. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, as well as his fellow hosts and thousands of very loyal RMS listeners. “
Martin was a controversial figure, nicknamed a “shock jock,” who stood up for animals and contributed to charities, particularly for first responders, including a foundation that raised money for fallen police officers and firefighters. He was also arrested for assault on a girlfriend in 2008 and was the victim of armed robbery in 2015.
He was a big car enthusiast and had a collection of legendary cars, including the Gran Torino Starsky & Hutch, the General Lee explains Dukes of Hazzard, and a Batmobile.
The Eagle called on fans to share their memories on Twitter.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of 97.1 The Eagle’s Russ Martin,” the radio station said. tweeted“He will be sorely missed and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. We would love to hear your favorite memory of Russ Martin below.”
“I always listened to his show on the drive home from work, and if Russ went down in a tear, he would make me laugh so hard I was afraid I might drift off the road,” said a fan.
Another said“He was the talented and comedic part of Dallas Radio. He did so much for the community with his work with animals and Police & Fire.”
“I tuned in every day for 5 years on my way home from work,” said a. “I was so excited to get my first car when I was 18 and just listen to him tease about things. Definitely made my one hour drive a lot more bearable. Rest In Peace, Russ.”