Manny Martinez doesn’t just teach guitar lessons, he inspires transformation. As a private guitar instructor in Salem, Oregon, and founder of the band and movement “Birth of Happiness,” Manny has built a life that resonates with passion, perseverance, and hope. Yet, behind his success lies a powerful story of overcoming addiction and rebuilding his life one step at a time.
“Five and a half years ago, I didn’t even have a functional pair of shoes,” Manny shared, reflecting on his journey to sobriety. His candor and humility speak volumes about the depths he’s faced—and the heights he’s now striving to reach.
The Struggle and Turning Point
Manny’s battle with alcoholism wasn’t just severe; it was life-threatening. “At the height of my drinking career, I was consuming about 35 drinks a day,” he said. The toll was catastrophic, leaving him with massive internal bleeding and few possessions to call his own. For the last year of his addiction, he didn’t even have proper footwear—just a pair of damaged loafers he picked up from a discount rack.
But a moment came when Manny decided to seek help. “I came to understand that I was not just an alcoholic but an extreme case,” he explained. That understanding drove him to embrace recovery, attending meetings and leaning on support networks.
As he gradually built a foundation for his sobriety, even small victories became monumental. “Sixty days in, I bought my first pair of decent shoes for $60, and that was huge,” he recalled. These milestones laid the groundwork for the man he is today—grateful, driven, and ready to inspire others.
Rebuilding a Life: From Guitar Lessons to Community Connections
Sobriety opened doors Manny once thought were closed forever. With a lifelong passion for music, he began teaching private guitar lessons from his studio in downtown Salem. “I can make you or your kid a great guitar player,” he says with a smile. His commitment paid off: Manny grew his student roster from 27 to nearly 50 in just his first year of membership with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.
Manny’s involvement with the Chamber became a key turning point in his recovery and career. “That first year, I went to every single greeters meeting for 52 weeks straight,” he said, emphasizing how networking and participation helped him not only professionally but personally.
His efforts extended beyond the studio. Manny also teaches at Abiqua School in South Salem, where the students affectionately call him “Mr. Manny.” For someone who once doubted his place in the world, the chance to mentor children and share his passion is nothing short of extraordinary. “It’s such a blessing to hear them call out to me on the playground,” he said.
Birth of Happiness: More Than a Band
Manny’s journey of recovery inspired him to create “Birth of Happiness,” a band with a message far beyond music. “BOH is more than a band; it’s a way of thinking, a symbol for recovery, sobriety, and transformation,” he explained.
The band’s debut album, funded through a mix of grassroots campaigns and community support, has already made waves. Manny’s bold idea to sell $50 t-shirts raised eyebrows at first, but the campaign turned out to be a resounding success. “We sold about 160 shirts and raised $5,000,” he said, adding that the total fundraising effort reached $19,000.
Their music is now streaming on platforms like Spotify and Amazon, and their performances have become a staple at local events, including political fundraisers and wineries. But Manny has bigger dreams for BOH. “We’re working to turn BOH into a national touring band and a movement that redefines how people think about addiction and recovery,” he said.
A Mission Rooted in Gratitude
Despite his ambitious goals, Manny never loses sight of where he came from—or the community that supported him along the way. Whether it’s through his music, public speaking, or simply connecting with others who are struggling, Manny’s mission is clear: to inspire transformation and foster hope.
His gratitude for Salem and the support he’s received is palpable. “I couldn’t ask for a better gift on my 40th birthday than being a part of this community,” he said.
Manny hopes to continue sharing his story to show that recovery is possible, no matter how dire the circumstances. “When I see someone digging through a trash can, I don’t see their addiction—I see their potential,” he said.
What’s Next for Manny Martinez?
The future is bright for Manny and Birth of Happiness. With plans for a regional tour and more music on the horizon, he’s focused on growing the band’s impact and reaching a broader audience.
But Manny’s work doesn’t stop with music. He plans to increase his public speaking engagements, using his story to inspire others and break the stigma surrounding addiction. He envisions a cultural shift where sobriety and transformation are celebrated, and heavy drinking loses its allure.
To anyone who believes in his mission, Manny invites you to join the movement. “Even if alternative rock isn’t your thing, you can still wear one of our shirts and spread the message of hope,” he said.
To find out more about Manny and Birth of Happiness, check out his website.
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