Brad Martin dead at 48 – Country singer who had hit with ‘Before I Knew Better’ dies, ‘heartbroken’ friend reveals

BRAD Martin, the country singer famous for his song Before I Knew Better, has died at age 48.

The hit song came from his 2002 debut album entitled Wings of a Honky-Tonk Angel.

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An Ohio native, Martin learned how to play guitar early on. He moved to Nashville in his mid-20s in pursuit of a career in country music.

Martin signed with Epic Records in 2000 ahead of his debut album. He worked with the label through 2003, releasing another single, One of Those Days, that year.

After his deal with Epic came to an end, Martin joined forces with John Ramey to form the duo Martin Ramey. In 2008, the duo signed with Curb Records.

Together, they remained active for about a decade.

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Ramey took to Facebook to share the news of Martin's death.

"I can't believe I'm saying this.. My dear friend and music brother Brad Martin passed away this afternoon.. I am heartbroken," Ramey wrote.

"Rock on my brother!!! You were a great friend, true talent and it was an honor making music with you!!"

Martin's cousin, Emily Barton, posted a statement to her Facebook page as well to share the news.

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"My cousin, Brad Martin, went to be with Jesus yesterday. It just doesn’t seem real."

"There are so many memories with him growing up. Brad loved to tease and pick on us. He always had that grin on his face. He was a handsome man with a beautiful voice.

"I was proud of him for all he had accomplished with his singing and songwriting career. I was going to spend some time going back through old photos today looking for the right pictures to share of my childhood spent with my Martin cousins, and I still may.

"Brad is in heaven with his dad and all our family that had gone before him who knew and loved Jesus. I know he had an amazing homecoming surrounding by them all.

"Please send prayers for his family and friends during this difficult time."

A cause of death has not been given. However, a had been created on Martin's behalf after he experienced a work-related injury in January.

In the description for the fundraiser, the organizers stated that an "already existing health crisis" caused the work injury to require more "intensive and critical levels of care."

"He has suffered severe internal damage causing hemorrhaging, along with a multitude of other life threatening issues with his liver," the description continues.

"My brother, a very private, dignified person, has humbly agreed to create this fundraiser to assist in maintaining his cost of living, and offset massive medical debt while incapacitated. 

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"Most sincerest gratitude for any contribution."

More than $4,000 of the $50,000 goal has been raised.