Griffin-Martin, Shirley Ann

Shirley Ann Griffin-Martin, circa 1988 (Box 1, CD 13)

Shirley Ann Griffin - Martin was born in Palestine, Texas. Her parents migrated westward and eventually put down roots in Albuquerque during her sophomore year in high school. She attended UNM and graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice in December 1992. After leaving UNM she worked and traveled the U.S. She is retired and lives in Albuquerque now. She is a long time member of the Bethesda SDA Church in Albuquerque. Although she was not singing in any of the choirs at the time of these recordings, since that time she has been a member of the Bethesda choir. She loves to sing and has held several church offices.

As a student doing work-study in the Fine Arts Library at the University, Shirley was inspired by all of the books and music resources that were around her, especially in the archives. She wanted to contribute part of her story, culture and history in music in the Albuquerque area. She saw that much of the Black African American culture was being lost with the passing of our senior citizens. She wanted to celebrate some of that history in music. “Music is key in all types of gatherings, reflecting the mood of and the reason for the occasion," said Shirley. And indeed, how well her recordings show the importance of music to the African American community. She donated her work to the John Donald Robb Archive of Southwestern Music between 1985 and 1988.

From the guide to the Shirley Ann Griffin-Martin Recordings of Albuquerque African American Music and Programs, 1985-1988, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)