Southern Soul and Blues singer Isaac “Big Ike” Martin was born Isaac Martin on July 28, 1949, in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Southern Soul and Blues singer Isaac “Big Ike” Martin was born Isaac Martin on July 28, 1949, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. One of his earliest, fondest recollections was of his mother and three aunts who, during the early and middle 50s, led the congregation of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church singing spirituals. "They were my first inspirations and I couldn't wait to start singing in the choir, myself," he confessed. Big Ike became lead singer of the Southern Soul and Blues band called the Episodes (later changed to the Lake City Show Band). The group became a regional sensation opening for singers Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Bobby Blue Bland in grand arenas like Ball's Auditorium and Jones' Fine Fox. Big Ike was a reclusive musician, and even the music professionals in the Deep South who had heard of him seldom if ever saw him in person. Big Ike was on the verge of "breaking out," with--among other things--a major blues label (Mardi Gras) recording contract in the works for the Teddy Bear album.