DETAILS: LOCAL MUSIC DIRECTOR MARTY GIBSON DIES IN CAR WRECK

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says 67-year-old Martin Gibson of Crossville passed away in a vehicle accident yesterday in Bledsoe County. His car apparently ran off Highway 127 South and hit a tree. Marty has been involved in music for decades in Cumberland County. For the past several years he has been the United Methodist Music Director in Fairfield Glade. He is the director of the Cumberland County Community Chorus, which presents two major concert series each year, in addition to a new July 4 concert with proceeds benefitting local Veterans organizations. Marty also performs with an acoustic duo, The Relics; a four piece dance band, City Lites and a barbershop quartet called Three Good Looking Guys that perform regularly in the Upper Cumberland and East/Middle Tennessee areas. He is a graduate from Tennessee Tech University with a BS degree in music education and was the choral director at Cumberland County High School from 1982- 2001

Marty was 67-years-old. Services will be announced at a later date.

I fondly remember Marty from when he was our choir director at Fairview UMC in Knoxville for a few years in the late 70s, early 80s. He had a wicked sense of humor and really knew how to make us laugh! He was a patient and funny leader who pushed our small group of singers beyond our capability, to sing joyful praise to God. He made you WANT to sing! Marty also was a truly good sport, hanging with us when we would put on shows like “Ya-Hoo” as a fundraiser for our young adult group. I’ll never forget that time he broke out in a song about pain and suffering, only to turn it into hilarity, as the song was actually titled Hemorrhoids. That was Marty. He saw the good and the fun in everything and in all of us. He never failed to amaze as a performer, often sharing with our congregation with inspiring music while he played his guitar so beautifully. He played for us at my wedding as well. I know he will be missed terribly by his family and friends, and those privileged enough to sing under his direction. He’s gotta be livening up Heaven these days – that angel host gained a great tenor! Prayers for his family.

12 COMMENTS

Linda Chiaramonte

May 27, 2021 at 4:09 pm

Marty, you will be missed! I enjoyed being a part of the Cumberland County Community Chorus for many years, and the main reason I joined was because you were a great director and reminded me so much of my high school music director! It was heartbreaking to hear the news today that you were gone. May God bless you.
- Anne Jackson
  
  June 3, 2021 at 2:42 pm
  
  Was in Madrigals with Marty…so gifted…plus soooo nice,!! Rest In Peace sweet angelic chorister,!!♥️♥️♥️
Nancy Thomas

May 27, 2021 at 4:18 pm

I am sorry to learn about Marty’s death. I was Marty’s piano teacher in Knoxville. His mother and dad, Dot and Dan , we’re great friends of mine. Marty had a great music talent. His contribution to music education is overwhelming. Peace be with you my dear Marty. Nancy Thomas
Nancy Thomas

May 27, 2021 at 4:24 pm

I am so sorry to learn about Marty’s death. I was Marty’piano teacher in Knoxville. His mother and day, Dot and Dan, we’re great friends of mine. Marty had a great music talent. His contribution to music education is overwhelming. Peace be with you my dear Marty. Love, Nancy Thomas
Michelle Lee Feathers

May 27, 2021 at 4:39 pm

prayers sent to the family and he was a great music teacher
Kathy Coffey

May 27, 2021 at 8:54 pm

Marty was a great friend through high school, then at Tech. He was so talented and also funny. As your friend, I am so thankful to have known you, sang with you and loved our kinship. Prayers for your son, his family, your church friends and your students. You will be missed, but always remembered. Kathy Mays Coffey
Lisa redwine

May 27, 2021 at 8:55 pm

Dearest Marty you were a great teacher and person I always thought a lot about you and you sure taught my brother a lot you were very funny and a sweet person ill sure miss you till we meet again dearest family of Marty im sure sorry for your loss he was truly a great person prayers going up for youns at this time. Lisa redwine
María

May 27, 2021 at 11:10 pm

we will miss him, he always smiling and good musician?
Nancy Burleson

May 28, 2021 at 7:21 am

Marty graciously gave his time to direct the Plateau Ringers Community Handbells, formed in 2017. He will be missed.
Cori Goulson

May 29, 2021 at 12:55 pm

Marty was the only reason I would have given up my life as a Presbyterian…just to be able to sing for him every Sunday. I just couldn’t give up the 60+ Presbyterian years, even though he kindly invited me to join UMC. He was a man of faith, of music, of kindness, of compassion…and he will be sorely missed. Rest in piece, my friend. I will sing for you again one day.
Faye C. Parton

May 29, 2021 at 9:46 pm

Marty you were one of sweet boys when you went to Doyle High School with my Sons Bill ans Larry Parton I loved you so much you had great parents they were so sweet and loving I sure missed you when you movedfrom Knoxville
Betsi Vesser

May 31, 2021 at 1:17 pm

I fondly remember Marty from when he was our choir director at Fairview UMC in Knoxville for a few years in the late 70s, early 80s. He had a wicked sense of humor and really knew how to make us laugh! He was a patient and funny leader who pushed our small group of singers beyond our capability, to sing joyful praise to God. He made you WANT to sing! Marty also was a truly good sport, hanging with us when we would put on shows like “Ya-Hoo” as a fundraiser for our young adult group. I’ll never forget that time he broke out in a song about pain and suffering, only to turn it into hilarity, as the song was actually titled Hemorrhoids. That was Marty. He saw the good and the fun in everything and in all of us. He never failed to amaze as a performer, often sharing with our congregation with inspiring music while he played his guitar so beautifully. He played for us at my wedding as well. I know he will be missed terribly by his family and friends, and those privileged enough to sing under his direction. He’s gotta be livening up Heaven these days – that angel host gained a great tenor! Prayers for his family.