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Mark Sallings
| Birth: | Apr. 11, 1952 |
| Death: | Feb. 25, 2009 |
 Muscian Song Writer Blues Harpist Mark Thomas Sallings was born near Helena, Arkansas. He picked up the nick name "Mighty Oak" along the way. Sallings began playing the harp professionally at age 14, and worked in Memphis as a session player with Stax Records right out of high school. As a journeyman musician, Sallings performed with the Coon Elder Band and as part of country star David Lynn Jones' band during the 1980s, appearing in three of Jones' music videos. Sallings formed his Famous Unknowns band in the early-90s, performing across the country at club dates and festivals. Sallings, also, made frequent appearances at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival through the years. Sallings recorded two albums with the Famous Unknowns – "Let It Be Known" in 1996 and "Talkin' To Myself" a year later – as well as a solo album, "Temporary Life", which was released in 2005. Sallings also performed on legendary Memphis producer Jim Dickinson's 2006 album "Voodoo Tiger". Endorsed by Hohner Harmonics and widely considered in the industry as one of the best Delta-style harp players, Sallings was also a talented saxophone and piano player. A familiar presence on the thriving Arkansas blues scene. Mark Sallings tragically died in a two-vehicle accident while driving to a casino gig in Tunica, Mississippi. Mark Sallings will be missed by his many fans, both at home and overseas. Mark Sallings recorded only one CD as a group entity, with The Famous Unknowns, titled: Up Close and Personal. Shortly after the release of the CD, The Famous Unknowns disbanded and Mark embarked upon a solo career, performing as front man for his own band: "Mark Sallings and The Famous Unknowns." In 1995 he was signed to Vent Records out of Birmingham, Alabama, where he recorded his first solo CD as simply, Mark Sallings titled: Let it Be Known. Let it Be Known was followed by another solo CD on the Vent label, titled: Talkin' to Myself. Vent Records shut down at the end of 1999. Mark went on to record and independent project, titled: Temporary Life | |
As a footnote to all the great things written about Mark.
I'm proud to have met Mark on several occassions. Mark was the one that introduced me to Blues music, and boy what an introduction it was.
The man was so talented, and I'd never seen a musician play so many instruments, and sing all in one song.
Mark came to my home several times, and when he was here collecting his custom harmonicas, or just stopping over for a visit as he passed through Kansas City. He was such a laid back guy. I can still picture him sitting in our living room.
It broke my heart the day I heard about his passing, and placing all of his music on this website this morning has certainly been a tough time.
I put this section up for Mark as more of a tribute page, and to show you all of his music that I know of from him and the lads ofThe Famous Unknowns.
R.I.P. Mark. You're sorely lost in this man's heart.
