Longtime Dallas DJ Russ Martin was found dead at his home in Frisco on Feb. 27; he was 60 years old.
According to a police report, Frisco police responded to a call at Martin’s residence in Block 6300 on Douglas Boulevard in Frisco, after a friend found him unanswered. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene; the cause of death has not yet been determined, but poor play has not been suspected.
Martin, who was born Russell Dale Martin on October 4, 1960 and grew up in Pleasant Grove, has been a Dallas radio personality for more than 30 years. He gained fame in the 1980s after joining the rock band KEGL 97.1 “The Eagle”, where he did the morning break after The Howard Stern Show left the station in 1997.
He later hosted the Russ Martin show at KLLI Live 105.3 in Dallas until 2008, when KLLI switched to sports, then returned to the Eagle in 2010 to do the afternoon show in The Eagle.
Martin also worked for the satellite music network and worked part-time for Z-Rock.
Jeff Skin Wade, half of the Ben & Skin show, which airs during the week from 2 to 5 p.m., divided a careful memorial, saying:
“We are saddened by the passing of radio legend Russ Martin. Russ has been for many years a funny, beloved and bigger talk radio talkblazer than ever before. in our community to support first responders and their families when they needed it most. I was lucky enough to work with one of the most influential radio hosts in DFW history. -hostings and thousands of extremely loyal RMS listeners. “
Martin was a controversial figure, dubbed “shock”, who supported the animals and contributed to charitable causes, especially for the first to respond, including a foundation that raised money for fallen police officers and firefighters. He was also arrested for assaulting a friend in 2008 and was the victim of an armed robbery in 2015.
A big car enthusiast, he had a collection of legendary cars that included Gran Torino from Starsky & Hutch, General Lee of The Dukes of Hazzard, and a Batmobile.
Eagle asked fans to share their memories on Twitter.
“With heavy hearts we announce the passage of 97.1 The Eagle’s Russ Martin”, the radio station posted on Twitter. “He will miss you and send his deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. We would love to hear your favorite memory of Russ Martin below.”
“I used to listen to his show on the way home from work, and when Russ left in a tear, it made me laugh so hard that I was afraid to get out of the way.” SAPS a fan.
Another SAPS, “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 gave myself every day for 5 years on the way home from work”, SAPS one. “I was so excited to take my first car when I was 18 and I just stuttered over it. It certainly made my hour-long trip much more bearable. Rest in peace, Russ.”