This past year Marc was named 'Folk Artist of the Year' on ABC Radio's Fame Games. He was a finalist in Kerrville's 'New Folk' competition. He was also a winner in the New Jersey Folk festival and the Austin Songwriter's Competition.
Marc's career began when he was six years old, living in Jacksonville, Florida. He heard Elvis, started singing along, and hasn't stopped.
His journey has included his first band, the 'Blades of Grass', having a top forty hit. After college, he moved to Woodstock, NY where his band became a local arts institution, attracting musicians recognized as some of the best in the world.
He has since recorded more than a dozen CD's, first for RCA, Jubilee, ESP and then, as an independent. Among his independent releases, he's had a ‘pick hit’ in Billboard Magazine, and another was recognized as a ‘minor masterpiece’ by famed music producer, John Hammond Sr.
Moving to New York City, he won the American Library Association Award for Best Children’s Album when he produced 'American Children'.
Marc then entered the world of commercials and immediately had an international impact. His “How To Get It Done” campaign for AT&T altered the sound of underscoring with its modal music and layered sound design. He won Best Original Music from Mobius in the U.S. and the London International Awards, in Europe.
ASCAP featured Marc in performance at the Sundance Film Festival. And his Youtube videos have been getting thousands of views. One more than 35,000 times!
Marc has recorded with an array of luminaries including Taj Mahal, Jack DeJonnette, Rick Danko, Peter Schikele (PDQ Bach), and Garth Hudson (keyboardist for the ´Band´). He collaborated with Richie Havens on the title cut of the award-winning, American children CD, and wrote the theme music for the New York Mets from 1987 till 1990.
As Paul Winter put it, "His songs are great and his singing is superb."
Marc Black will be at the following locations
Schedule and Availability
The history of the 1950's and 60's through the lens of popular music.
America faced itself in many new ways during the 1950’s and 60’s. In this exciting time, popular music evolved from being an escape from reality to being a powerful communication about it. In this entertaining and often humorous program, Marc reviews the social and political history and how it was expressed in popular song. In the presentation he uses a wide range of popular songs from that time including fun filled favorites like Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, great rock tunes like Blue Suede Shoes and moving folk songs like Bob Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind. Because of copyrite issues, our sample is one of Marc's originals. It will give you an idea of his enormous talent and skill. This program is a fun and educational program for all ages. View complete details
Ages:
Program Type: Music
American Children: Friends & Family Songs
The line between songs for kids and songs for adults disappears in this program. Marc's sense of humor and his ability to make his audience feel good about themselves seems to have no age limits. You’ll experience all kinds of songs; one about Marc’s love of his dog, another about the importance of picking up the litter. You’ll hear original songs that Marc has sung at peace rallies with Pete Seeger as well as some surprising sing-alongs from the sixties like Wooly Bully and the Beatles’, Help. Marc wrote the lyrics and music to the song, American Children, originally sung by Richie Havens. It was the title track to an album that he produced. It won the American Library Association award for the Best Children’s Album and the title track was featured for several years as the opening song on WBAI radio’s children’s hour. Beside Mr. Havens, Marc rounded up a super-talented crew for this project including Taj Mahal, John Sebastian, Maria Muldaur and many more. Marc’s live presentation of these songs is the core of this program. It’s a great entertainment for kids and grownups alike. “ ‘American Children’ is a beauty,” Peter Seeger View complete details
Ages: Children
Program Type: Music
Expressive songwriting workshop for adults
This workshop is designed for the beginning songwriter as well as those who are a bit more advanced. We will use techniques that build confidence and keep a personal touch in songwriting. Attendees will be encouraged to perform songs they've written or, present ideas of things they'd like to write about. The group will talk about the songs in a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes the uniqueness of each person's perceptions and the resulting music. Marc has taught songwriting to all ages, from 9 years old to 90. He's written songs with stroke survivors who are fighting their way back and high school boys and girls who want to write about how misunderstood they are. Everyone's favorite is his song, Ooh, I Love My Coffee. Bottom line is, we all have things to say and Marc can help just about anyone put it in a song. Marc has taught this workshop at libraries, schools and in private settings. View complete details
Ages: Teen Adult
Program Type: Workshops
Expressive songwriting workshop for kids
Workshop for elementary aged children and young adults. One and a half hour expressive songwriting workshops for kids: This workshop is designed for the beginning songwriter as well as those that are a bit more advanced. We will use techniques that build confidence and put playfulness into songwriting. We'll compose a song as a group and make recordings in mp3 format that the kids can email to themselves to keep if they like. Marc has experience writing songs in a wide range of styles and for a wide range of purposes. From commercial jingles to songs for the New York Mets, award winning children's songs to political anthems. He has taught this workshop at libraries, schools and in private settings. “Marc led the 3rd grade kids in a songwriting workshop. They wrote a song altogether, and then sang it and made a recording. They had so much fun. They must have talked about it for a month!” Michele Rappi, Katonah Elementary School parent View complete details
Ages: Children Teen
Program Type: Workshops
Marc Black in concert…Life, One Song at a Time
Marc Black is an acoustic, finger style guitar player from the Hudson Valley in New York. He has been living his life writing songs about what he sees, hears and experiences altogether. From joyous and tender family events, to social and political upheavals, from tragedies that he's seen first hand to just plain fun. Marc has been playing the same Guild D40 guitar since he bought it new in 1968! It's well worn and full of tunes, anecdotes and tall tales. Marc and his Guild can channel Mississippi John Hurt as well as Tim Hardin. This program is an American story. A dream that just won't quit. True to itself, a story of family, community, conflict, and peace. The natural appeal of his songs has resulted in airplay in the United States and abroad. But more important, he has a way of touching audiences and making them feel good about themselves. Happy Traum describes Marc’s music as, “Foot Tapping grooves, excellent playing, top-notch guitar and vocals…Marc’s songs are timeless.” Marc Black has recorded more than a dozen CD's, first for RCA, Jubilee, ESP and then, as an independent. Among his independent releases, he's had a ‘pick hit’ in Billboard Magazine, and another was recognized as a ‘minor masterpiece’ by famed music producer, John Hammond Sr. He also won the American Library Association Award for Best Children’s Album when he produced 'American Children'. He wrote the theme music for the New York Mets from 1987 till 1990 and won many awards including a “Mobius” for producing original music for commercials. This program features many of Marc's songs but he also intermingles songs by some great American icons, including several with whom he has recorded and performed like John Sebastian, Tim Hardin, Peter Schikele (PDQ Bach), and Taj Mahal. Marc's show is a colorful one and as Paul Winter put it, “His songs are great and his singing is superb.” View complete details
Ages: Adult
Program Type: Music
No Fracking Way
In his tireless crisscrossing of the Country, Marc has been confronted with some of the unintended, and horrible consequences of hydro-fracking. He responded by composing 'No Fracking Way' and recording it with John Sebastian from the Lovin' Spoonful, Eric Wessberg of Dueling Banjos fame and a hundred Woodstock citizens singing along on the final choruses. The song has been played at rallies as far away as Australia, South Africa, France and the British Isles. Marc performs that song and others that reflect his concern for our environment with a sense of humor and wit that is always entertaining. (No matter what your political persuasion). His sincerity shines through each song. Once you hear Marc, you'll see why he's been invited to sing all across the Country including a recent special appearance at Pete Seeger's birthday party. View complete details
Ages: Adult Family
Program Type: Music
Stroke of Genius, concert and documentary film presentation
Dan Mountain, one of Los Angeles premier advertising creative directors, suffered a massive stroke that left him in a coma for 21 days. His doctors gave him a zero chance of meaningful survival and finally pulled life support. Thats when Dan woke up. Struggling to put his life back together, he found words again. First, the rhythm, then the meaning. He worked through his aphasia and wrote poems that his friend, Marc Black, put to music and recorded with help from musical luminaries Art Garfunkel, John Sebastian, Steve Gadd, and the Dixi Hummingbirds. They created a richly human CD, Stroke of Genius. Inspired by Dans courage and by the CD, filmmaker, Bahman Soltani, produced a tender and surprising love story. His film, also entitled Stroke of Genius, expresses both the fragility of our lives and the powerful resilience of the human spirit. And now Mr. Black has brought it all together in a presentation that features live performance of his original songs, the documentary film, and finally, a time for questions and sharing of experience. Marc is a seasoned performer that makes his audience feel at home. And leaves them inspired. View complete details
Ages: Adult
Program Type: Music
Marc’s touching words and inspirational music kept every ear tuned in. He presented to a room of stroke patients and families, hospital health care workers and nursing students who all listened intently to the vivid story painted by Marc’s words.
It clearly depicted a friendship that would stand the test of time, the struggle of an active mind throughout recovery from a stroke and the strength of a supportive family and friend circle.
His music was absolutely amazing. I bought a CD so that I can play it for our patients as they walk down the same path of recovery.
We were thankful that we could be a part of this program.
Thank you Marc!
Rhonda Felice, PT
Therapy Manager,
CVA/Cardio Program
Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital
Marc’s songs keep us laughing with the likes of “Don’t Be Mad at Me,” a song that playfully pleads with his wife to forgive him, which made the audience break out with laughter throughout the song. Asides from the polished and completely engaging vocals and lyrics, his performance was so suburb that the audience called for an encore. Meredith Riley, Groovi in New Fairfield
-- Marc Black
"An amazing evening with an extraordinary performer. We came away feeling richer; not only from the joy we shared, but also for the thoughtful and profound energy his music brings." Ihor Radysh, Music on 4
-- Marc Black
Marc Black did a wonderful show. Our audience was enthralled and charmed by his wonderful voice and songs. He is one of the finest artists we have ever hosted. We hope to have him back.
Don Slepian, , ArtMusic CoffeeHouse
-- Marc Black
Woodstock resident and music aficionado Susan Goldman has the following to say about Marc:
"Marc has a warmth and humor in his songs and in the way he really connects with an audience. He just doesn't play his songs. But he is a great player too. He is a really dynamic performer, just as comfortable with a band or by himself, in a dance hall or living room. He is an original. I really hope your community likes him as much as we do in Woodstock. No matter how many times I have heard him play, each time is full of energy and creativity. He knows how to rock n roll and tell a story too. Enjoy!"
-- Marc Black
A selection of photos, videos, and audio clips
Photos
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