Marilyn Martin
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Marilyn Martin (born May 4, 1954) is an American singer best known for her 1985 hit duet with Phil Collins, "Separate Lives."
Born in Tennessee but raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Martin gained notice as a back-up singer for such artists as Stevie Nicks, Joe Walsh, Don Henley, Tom Petty and Kenny Loggins, touring with Nicks and Walsh. She became a protege of Doug Morris, then the head of Atlantic Records, who had heard her backing up Nicks on the Rock A Little album and was impressed enough to ask for a demo. He then signed Martin to a two album contract and connected her with Phil Collins for "Separate Lives," part of the soundtrack for the 1985 film White Nights. The song was a number one hit in the U.S. and a Top 5 hit in the United Kingdom.[1]. Her self-titled debut album was released in January 1986, with the single "Night Moves" reaching number 28 on the U.S. charts.[2]. Her second album, 1988's This Is Serious, was notable for containing the song "Possessive Love" written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard. However neither the single or the album was successful and Atlantic released Martin from her contract, although she continued her career as a back-up vocalist into the 1990s.[3] She is currently a realtor in Nashville, Tennessee.[4]