Walkin' Cane Mark

Career timeline

(1986) Walkin’ Cane Mark started singing with Phoenix blues bands at 19 years old. (1989) Mark started his professional career at the ripe age of 22 fronting blues and r&b band “Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns”, band leader/bass player Ted Kowal wanted a front man that had the live stage presents and wildness of legendary blue-eyed soul man Wayne Cochran. Ironically this was later also noticed by C.C. Rider alumni and WC Mark was invited as a special guest at two of Wayne Cochran & The CC Riders reunions (2001 & 2003 Hollywood and Miami Florida). (1994) the start of W C Mark’s solo career and the formation of “Walkin’ Cane Mark & A Shot In The Dark”. (1995) Mark was signed to the independent record label JAEN Records (usually recording with his touring band at the time). (1996) the 1996 “No Rest For The Wicked” album and tour using featuring ex members of the Parliament Funkadelic (P-Funk) horn section. (1997-2001) Mark teams up with blues/r&b shouter Nappy Brown for several tours of Europe with "The Nappy Brown/ Walkin’ Cane Mark Blues Show”. (2001-2010)Mark performed as a side man (harmonica) and semi-retirement. (2011) Walkin’ Cane Mark was back recording his first full length album in 11 years "Tryin' To Make You Understand" (just discovered title song co-written with blues legend Junior Wells in ‘95). (2012 – Present) The launch of www.walkincanemark.com. Cane begins work with under new manager Christopher Slattery and renowned roots/blues advocate Betsie Brown Blind Raccoon. "Tryin' To Make You Understand – REMASTERED” released recording nationally & internationally spending more than four weeks in the #1 "Classic Blues Chart" position. (Forthcoming) JAEN catalog re masters release project (including unreleased tracks) and various live appearances.

At this time Walkin' Cane Mark is recovering from another car accident and has postponed most appearances. "They can cripple up my body but my can't keep my golden throat from HOWLIN! - WCMark 11/07/16

Origin

Willie Dixon dubbed Mark, "Walkin' Cane Mark" in 1988 when he was forced to walk with a cane after an injury. It was also Mr. Dixon who first recognized Mark's passion for blues and soul music. Dixon gave Cane “Gravedigger Blues" for his first CD. Walkin' Cane Mark was taught his first harmonica licks by renowned band leader R.D. Olson, then went on to refine his technique under the tutelage of Chicago harp legends Snooky Pryor & Junior Wells. Today Mark plays in a “Mississippi Saxophone” style much like Snooky Pryor,(starting songs with a honking harmonica intro thus directing the backing band in the formation and feel of the song). Mark is also well known for mixing a classic "Memphis Soul" sound with his vocal delivery and larger than life stage presence. He is also known to be one of the youngest players that uses older post WWII style of blues (such as Sunny Boy #1 & Snooky Pryor) harmonica playing. Walkin’ Cane Mark is considered one of the most charismatic live personalities performing today. (Source: “Walkin' Cane Mark’s Blues” by Jarrett Hendricks)

Endorsements

Shaker Harmonica Microphones, RedPlate Amps, Lee Oskar Harmonicas Preferred Player, Ziggies Music Phoenix