Daily spins This Day in Music

Martika

Martika, born Marta Marrero on May 18, 1969, is an American singer-songwriter and actress known for her contributions to pop and dance music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She first gained fame as a child actress on the television show "Kids Incorporated," which showcased her musical talents. Martika's self-titled debut album, released in 1989, featured the hit single "Toy Soldiers," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is notable for its poignant lyrics addressing the impact of drug addiction, and it remains her signature track. Her second album, "Martika's Kitchen" (1991), included the hit "Love... Thy Will Be Done," which was co-written with Prince, further establishing her as a significant figure in the music scene. Martika's blend of pop, rock, and dance music, along with her emotive vocal style, contributed to the sound of the late '80s and early '90s. Although she stepped back from mainstream music in the mid-1990s, her work has influenced many artists and continues to resonate with fans, particularly through nostalgic retrospectives of the era.

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