Martin Worthy

Martin Worthy – Drums / Rhythm Guitar / Vocals

Born in Sudbury Ontario, Martin moved to Canada’s first planned community, Don Mills, in 1959. It was here that he began his love affair with music. He began playing drums at age twelve, then also took up the viola and cello throughout high school. After leaving high school, Martin’s first job was as Music Director for Studio Lab Theatre’s successful production of “Dionysis in 69”.

After a 2 1/2 year stint traveling and playing guitar in Europe he returned to Toronto in 1972 and through a mutual friend, he reconnected with Paul Quarrington, whom he had met while attending junior high and became a lifelong friend and creative partner.

Martin and Paul began writing songs and soon were performing across Canada as the singer-songwriter duo Quarrington/Worthy. They released a self titled album in 1980 that yielded the #1 hit “Baby and the Blues.” Martin, along with Quarrington, also played as the rhythm section of the legendary alt-rock band Joe Hall and the Continental Drift for more than five years.

When the allure of life on the road faded, Martin studied electronic music at George Brown College while also serving an apprenticeship to become a piano technician. He set up his own piano shop and began restoring pianos for the Heintzman Piano Company in 1986 until 1998. Throughout these years his own music was never far away. He composed music for video and film productions (including Paul Quarrington’s short film “Moon and Mann”) and was awarded an Ontario Arts Council grant to write a series of songs inspired by Canadian Novels.

By 1999 Martin found himself once again playing live music and writing songs with his pal Paul. This time with the blues/roots band  Porkbelly Futures. Together and with the other members of the band they released 2 albums “Way Past Midnight” and “Porkbelly Futures.”

Today, Martin finds himself still actively engaged in music with Porkbelly Futures as well as other creative endeavors. Sadly his friend Paul passed away in January 2010 but Martin is dedicated to growing Paul’s creative legacy. “There are so many songs that we didn’t finish…” Martin states, as he continues to craft, record, release and perform their rich body of work.  Martin resides in Toronto with his wife Jill and his two children Megan and Jay.