Mark's acoustic roots run deep. As a teenager, Mark
immersed himself in the vibrant bluegrass and folk music
scene in Washington, D.C. One of his earliest guitar
teachers and mentors was Phil Rosenthal, from the
famed bluegrass band, The Seldom Scene. A debut album
(Common Ground 1988) and a last minute opening act
for Tom Paxton lit the fire of the young writer, leading
him to Nashville and a publishing deal with Cherry Lane
Music.
Mark has gone on to staff writing positions with major
publishing companies including, Bluewater Music Group, Maypop Music Group (owned
by the super-group Alabama) as well as Sony Music Publishing. Mark's songs have been
recorded by independent and major artists, receiving airplay on radio and TV in the
United States and abroad. His songs have hit the Billboard Top Forty charts, highlighted
by the hit single by Neal McCoy, "Every Man for Himself." Billboard Magazine called it "a
song with rare lyrical and musical edge and the best cut on the album".
Buoyed by wins in singer-songwriter contests at major festivals across the country Mark
began to build a reputation for standout live performances. However, it was winning the
Kerrville New Folk Award in 1993 that really put Mark on the map and on the road. As
one-half of the duo Culley & Elliott, Mark toured extensively in support of their
acclaimed CD, "Flight of Dreams" (1993).
The year 2000 brought Mark back to a solo career and a successful new CD. "My Great
Escape," featuring a duet with Tom Paxton (Stars in Their Eyes), was an Americana
Chart's top 70 CD. It was played on commercial and public radio programs across the
United States and abroad. It generated a #2 song (She Rode Horses) on the independent
country chart, "Inside Country". Sing-Out Magazine called it a "superb album" and
Music Row Magazine said "almost too good" and "I'll bet he's a killer to hear live."
With experience and perspective that only time and miles can bring, Mark’s 2004
release, "American Road," captures the characters, towns and stories from his well traveled
past. American Road attracted vocal collaborations from luminaries Don Henry
(Grammy Award-wining songwriter) and Jonell Mosser (renowned vocalist who has
sung with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King and Ringo Starr). His national touring
through 2005 continued to include high profile clubs and festivals, including an official
showcase spot on the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.
In 2006 Mark's road has led back to his Folk and Bluegrass beginnings. The new CD,
Pickin' Blackberries shares 12 new songs with some of the most respected names in
acoustic music. Mark's guitar and voice, coupled with the likes of IBMA winner Jim
Hurst, National finger-picking champion Pete Huttlinger and Americana divas The
McCrary Sisters, make for a strong and genuine delivery of captivating stories!
In the fall of 2008 Mark released his new CD “Good Life”.
*Mark is endorsed by Elixir Strings & Taylor Guitars
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