He followed the footsteps of his father who sang for the group S.O.S. (A Society of Seven) in Hawaii. He went back to his birthplace in 1982 to pursue his musical career and released his first album that went platinum in a span of five months.
Thus, began the journey of the man who would be called ‘The Concert King.’
Martin Nievera (Ramon Razon Nievera) was born on February 5, 1962, in Manila, Philippines to Bert Nievera and Conchita Razon. The Nievera family took up residence in the Bay Area in California in the late ’70s. Martin graduated from Clayton Valley High School in Concord, California in 1980.
Martin and I met almost 30 years ago at his first concert with then wife Pops Fernandez. We’ve been friends since then but that did not keep me get from getting star stricken each time. The guy is my all time favorite performer! I would forever be a fan. Until now, he still amazes me with his performance. And like his music, so timeless: it never gets old – if possible, it gets better with time.
He is both an amazing songwriter and singer – a combo that solidified the trappings of a legendary performer that he is to become. His first album, “Take One,” achieved such a feat that is not common for a neophyte in the industry. And his talent opened another door to his impending stardom; it started his career in TV hosting. Martin co-hosted the TV variety show “Penthouse Live!” with (then) future wife Pops Fernandez, the Philippines’ “Concert Queen.”
His second live performance in 1984’s “The Best Gift” was also certified platinum. In 1987, “Penthouse Live!” was changed to “Martin and Pops Twogether,” reflecting the duo’s marriage. While he is an exceptional singer in his own right, it is mostly his jovial on-stage personality that makes him a hit across generations. His mass appeal spread throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s as his albums and live performances were fanatically devoured. Martin’s 1997 album Journey was a hit in Hawaii, most especially in the Philippines. The track “You Are My Song” earned him Awit and Katha Awards for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist.
“I was actually discovered while singing at the shower in our locker room. I was part of the basketball team, but not a very good one at that, and I intentionally take a shower after everybody else has so it would seem like I had a tough game when I was actually a bench warmer… As I was singing, the wrestling coach passed by and heard me, called out loud and said he should see me at the choir auditions the next day. So I joined the choir and next thing I know I am singing back up (in a choir) for Barry Manilow for his three-day concert, and that’s where I realized that this is what I want to do.” Martin recalls in an interview.
Even in the darkest moments of his life, specifically the dissolution of his marriage, the ‘concert king’ turned to music. He wrote and recorded a song, entitled “Forever” to win back his wife. Though the song didn’t achieve its main goal, it effortlessly achieved double platinum, moved up to triple platinum in a few months, and later soared to quadruple status. Martin and his music were warmly embraced by his adoring public, and “Forever” has become an all-time bestseller. The two sequels, “Forever Forever” (platinum to double platinum to triple platinum within the same year) and “Return to Forever,” both alluded to the couple’s heartbreaking split. They however, decided to be civil (and be good friends) throughout the years.
Martin’s success in the field of music carried over to his acting career. He has appeared in eleven movies and seven television series and specials. His television show, “Martin after Dark” lasted for almost a decade (1988-1998) and won Best Celebrity Talk Show. It garnered him his Star Awards’ Best Celebrity Talk Show Host award consecutively from 1989 to 1991 and then again in 1993, 1994, and 1996.
In 2006, the Aliw Awards Foundation Hall of Fame distinguished Martin as Entertainer of the Year and Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Honolulu Adviser likewise named him Best Male Singer and Star of the Year in 1988. He also won at the Abu Golden Kite Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as Best Interpreter for a Composition in 1990.
Martin’s transfer to the rival network in 1998 to 2002 gave the public “Martin Late@Nite” as well as a television show with Gary Valenciano in July 2010, Twist & Shout. Martin’s film credits include dramas, romance, science fiction, comedy, and action.
Right now, Martin is busy with concert tours around the U.S.. His upcoming one will be in Las Vegas. I am pretty sure this is going to be a memorable one. His songs will always have the same force and appeal as it did the first time I saw him on stage. And for someone who is dubbed as ‘Concert King,’ there’s no doubt, the man has set himself for greatness anywhere he goes.
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
