Tributes have been paid to the ”godfather of Dundee soul” Dougie Martin, who has died.
Dougie, lead singer with Mafia and before that The Poor Souls, died on Thursday aged 70, with his partner Maggie, daughter Penny, son Kyle and long-time friend Chris Rattray by his side.
His passing will be mourned by thousands of musicians and music fans across the city, who grew up watching him play and listening to his instantly recognisable gravelly-velvet vocals.
Dougie Martin was held in high esteem not only in Dundee but across Scotland, the UK and abroad as his talents were appreciated throughout the world of music.
Born in Dundee, Dougie was educated in the city and started his first band in 1956.
On the sleeve notes of his latest album, Soul Man, he said: ”I was brought up on the start of rock ‘n’ roll, through the 60s and soul music and Motown up to the present day.
”I have had many great bands including Hudson’s Hi-Four, The Poor Souls, The Cyclones and Mafia, to name but a few.”
Soul Man, a compilation of 14 of his favourite songs, was dedicated to his ”soul mate,” the late-great Gerry McGrath, who performed for many years with Dougie.
Often referred to as the best singer the Average White Band never had, Dougie was a great friend of theirs and had sung on stage with them on their last visit to Dundee in 2010.
Lead singer Alan Gorrie said he and fellow founder member, guitarist Onnie McIntyre, were saddened by the news.
”I’m gutted as I was expecting to see him this visit and because he really was my vocal hero growing up in Perth and Dundee bands,” he said.
”Dougie was what made me get into soul music and find my own voice, after formative years of emulating his style and the people he turned me on to, like Ray Charles etc.
”He’s a huge loss to me and I know that the other guys in the band, especially Onnie, are saddened. We will dedicate a song to him at Rewind (festival in Perth) next week.”
Lorraine Wilson, author of Take It To The Bridge, about the Dundee music scene, said Dougie had featured hugely in her research, most notably among everyone else who contributed to the book.
”The first time I had a chance to sit down with Dougie properly was researching the book,” she said. ”It was clear that he was always completely passionate about music and what he had done in music over the years.
”What was more impressive was that almost every other person I spoke to mentioned Dougie’s name as the man who had been central to the Dundee music scene.
”Part of the reason for that was not just his immense talent but also the fact that he had an incredible sense of humour and personality.”
Ged Grimes, bass player with Simple Minds and formerly with Danny Wilson, said: ”I am so sorry to hear this. He was an inspiration when I was just getting started and I have great memories of brilliant nights in Dundee where he would give us a shout to get up and perform with Mafia.”
One of Dougie’s best friends, Donnie Coutts, who played drums with him over several decades in Mafia and The Poor Souls, described Dougie as his personal inspiration.
”Legends are declared too readily these days, but Dougie was truly a legend, a massive talent, who nurtured generations of Dundee musicians into the business.”
Saxophonist Peter McGlone added: ”He was literally the godfather of Dundee soul and to many musicians, older and younger than me, he taught you how to play and make it happen, not only for yourself but for the people watching.
”He was the most important person I have ever played with. He changed the way you played and your whole outlook on music.”