Chronicle: Singer/songwriter Brad Martin passed away Friday (3/11) at the age of 48. The Ohio native was signed to Epic in 2000 and released several singles, including the Top 15 hit "Before I Knew Better" in 2002. He later formed the duo Martin Ramey with John Ramey, who posted on the duo's Facebook page, "You were a great friend, true talent and it was an honor making music with you." Services are pending.

Songwriter Bruce Burch passed away Saturday (3/12) from complications of leukemia. He was 69. Burch was a native of Gainesville, GA and had songs recorded by artists including Faith Hill, Aaron Tippin and Reba McEntire, for whom his co-written "Rumor Has It" was a No. 1 hit. Burch helped found music programs at the University of Georgia and Kennessaw State University, and later taught entertainment business at Brenau University in Gainesville. He also founded an annual concert series in Gainesville benefitting local non-profits, which his students helped organize. No word on services.