Marc Martel, born on November 16, 1976, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a renowned singer, musician, and songwriter.
He is best known for his remarkable vocal resemblance to the late Freddie Mercury of Queen, which has earned him global recognition.
Martel’s talent and career span various musical projects, from his work in the Christian rock band Downhere to his role in recreating Mercury’s iconic vocals for Queen-related projects.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Background:
Marc Martel grew up in a Christian family in Montreal, where his father was a pastor.
He showed an early interest in music, learning piano and later developing his vocal talent.
Education:
Martel attended Briercrest College and Seminary in Saskatchewan, where he met his future bandmates and began his professional musical journey.
Career Highlights:
1. Downhere (1999–2012)
Martel co-founded Downhere, a Christian rock band, with college friends in 1999.
The band gained popularity in the Christian music scene, releasing multiple albums and winning several awards, including:
Dove Awards for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Rock Recorded Song of the Year.
After more than a decade of success, the band went on hiatus in 2012.
2. The Queen Extravaganza (2011–2017)
In 2011, Martel auditioned for The Queen Extravaganza, a tribute project organized by Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor.
His audition video, where he sang “Somebody to Love,” went viral, amassing millions of views and earning him the role of lead vocalist.
Martel toured globally with The Queen Extravaganza, gaining acclaim for his uncanny ability to channel Freddie Mercury’s voice.
3. The Ultimate Queen Celebration (2017–Present)
Following his time with The Queen Extravaganza, Martel launched his own Queen tribute show, The Ultimate Queen Celebration, where he continues to perform Queen’s greatest hits.
4. Contribution to Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Martel’s voice was used alongside archival recordings of Freddie Mercury to recreate Mercury’s vocals in the Oscar-winning biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
This contribution solidified Martel’s reputation as one of the most authentic interpreters of Mercury’s voice.
5. Solo Career
Martel has released solo albums showcasing his range as an artist beyond Queen tributes, including:
Impersonator (2014)
The Silent Night EP (2016)
Thunderbolt and Lightning (2018), a Queen cover album.
Musical Style and Legacy
Vocal Talent:
Martel’s voice is frequently compared to Freddie Mercury’s due to its range, power, and tone.
He is known for effortlessly transitioning between genres, blending rock, classical, and contemporary styles.
Versatility:
While much of his fame is tied to his work with Queen’s music, Martel has demonstrated a broader range through his original compositions and Christian music background.
Personal Life
Faith and Values:
Martel remains deeply connected to his Christian faith, which influences his personal and professional life.
Family:
He is married to Crystal Koster, and the couple resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
Awards and Recognition
Dove Awards with Downhere.
Global acclaim for his role in Queen tribute projects and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Recognition for his viral audition video, which remains a defining moment in his career.
Legacy
Marc Martel has carved a unique niche in the music world by bridging the gap between tribute performances and original artistry. His ability to channel Freddie Mercury’s legendary voice while maintaining his individuality has made him a standout figure in both rock and Christian music scenes. Martel’s contributions to preserving Queen’s legacy, coupled with his impressive solo work, continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
William “Will” Beshear is the son of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear.
He has a younger sister named Lila. The Beshear family is known for their active involvement in community service and public life.
Will has been featured in various public appearances alongside his parents.
In a light-hearted video released in early January 2025, Governor Beshear and his wife read unflattering social media comments, with Will providing humorous translations for some of the remarks.
This showcased the family’s close-knit relationship and willingness to engage with the public in a relatable manner.
The Beshear family resides in Kentucky, where they are actively involved in their local community and church.
Governor Beshear and First Lady Britainy serve as deacons at Beargrass Christian Church in Louisville.
While specific details about Will’s personal life are kept private to respect his and his family’s privacy, it is evident that he plays a supportive role in his family’s public service endeavors.
Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has served as the Kentucky Governor since December 2019.
He was previously the state’s Attorney General from 2015 to 2019.
The Beshear family, including Will, resides in Frankfort, Kentucky, and attends Beargrass Christian Church in Louisville, where Andy and Britainy serve as deacons
Wylie B. Caudill is a renowned mural artist in Lexington, Kentucky, known for his vibrant and large-scale public art. Originally from Cynthia, Kentucky, Caudill developed his passion for art early on, often using sidewalks and various surfaces as his canvas. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), where his artistic journey gained significant momentum through his chalk art creations on campus.
Caudill’s career took a professional turn in 2019 when he pursued art full-time. His unique style, which he calls “organic repetition,” features bold patterns and his signature roses, which have become iconic in his work. His murals can be seen across central Kentucky, and he has also partnered with major brands like YouTube, MTV, and Mountain Dew for various projects.
In 2024, Caudill was honored as the official artist of the 150th Kentucky Derby, a significant milestone that involved creating the event’s official artwork and designs for the Woodford Reserve Commemorative Derby Bottle. His Derby artwork prominently features the trophy, the reimagined paddock, and a garland of 150 red roses to symbolize the Derby Winner’s Circle, surrounded by additional roses to represent the fans worldwide.
Elizabeth is the Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, a premium bourbon brand under the Brown-Forman Corporation.
Appointed in February 2023, she became the third person and the first woman to hold this position in the brand’s 26-year history.
Educational Background:
Professional Journey:
Current Role and Responsibilities:
Personal Background:
Elizabeth McCall’s progression within Brown-Forman and appointment as Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve highlights her bourbon-making expertise and dedication.
Her leadership marks a significant milestone in the industry, reflecting both her achievements and the evolving role of women in the field.