The Martels

The Martels are a Canadian rock band formed in 1957 in Midland, Ontario, Canada. The band first emerged on the music scene when musicians Tom Ambeau (drums, guitar), Milt Budarick (bass guitar), Bert DesRochers (piano), Larry French (lead guitar, vocals) and Gary French (lead vocals, drums), formed The Corvettes. Rock & Roll was becoming a powerful force on the music scene and The Corvettes became a part of that, playing concerts throughout Ontario.

The Corvettes would go on to become the backing band for Canada's first teen idol Bobby Curtola. Changing their name to Bobby Curtola & The Martells (after Curtola's manager, Maria Martell) in 1961, the band went on to record hits such as Indian Giver, Hand in Hand with You and Fortune Teller with Curtola. The band also toured across Canada and recorded with big stars of the day such as Del Shannon.

The Martels disbanded in the late 1960s, but in 1979, the band reunited and have been together ever since then.

Current members of the band also include Madeleine French on vocals & piano, Dr. Sax (a.k.a. Russ Strathdee) on saxophone and Bill Chambers, formerly of Canadian band Lisle, on guitar & vocals. Former radio DJ Ken Rowland served as the band’s master of ceremonies and occasional percussionist until his death of cancer in 2008.