Mark Gandy

Mark Gandy was born William Mark Gandy October 18th, 1969 in Bridgeton, NJ. Born into a musical family, Mark learned to love music at an early age. His mother insisted all her children at least try to learn to play the piano. Taking his first piano lesson at the age of 5 a lifelong love affair with creating music began. In the 4th grade Mark did his first solo performance, playing the theme song to the movie “Chariots of Fire’ to hundreds in a school gymnasium with a local newspaper photographer in his face. An obsession with performing was instantly added to his love for music. Under the instruction of Doug King, a teacher and mentor, Mark also learned to play the alto saxophone and performed in concert and marching bands, as well as acting as the piano accompanist for the entire Quinton Elementary school music program.

Mark became and accomplished classical pianist known all over southern New Jersey. In his teenage and high school years Mark was in demand as an accompanist and soloist for beauty pageants, all state choruses and choirs, church events and school events. Under the piano instruction of Edgar M. Newton of the Bridgeton Symphony Orchestra, and the vocal and performance instruction of Pat Bullock of Salem High School, Mark honed his skill and after tedious piano and vocal auditions was accepted with scholarships to Rowan State University and Lebanon Valley University as a music education major. However, Mark did not feel compelled to teach, but to perform, and chose another path instead.

While being trained as a classical pianist, Mark’s father was unknowingly teaching him a love for popular and country music. Mark’s dad’s 8-track collection included a diverse selection of music including the vocal harmonies of the Carpenter’s, (which to this day influence his songwriting) , Mel Tillis, Roseanne Cash, Buddy Rich, Johnny Cash, Barry Manilow, etc. etc. etc. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s Mark fell in love with Rock and Roll music, especially the metal bands of the 80’s. In 1990 Mark joined his first band, “Final Crossing”, an original metal band based in South Jersey, as a keyboard player. The band achieved some small success in it’s short lived history including having a single included on the metal compilation album “Infinity Rocks” and a supporting show in New York City’s fabled Bronx in the early 90’s. During this time, after losing a bass player in the band, Mark taught himself to play bass guitar, and also became the lead vocalist once the other band members discovered his vocal ability.

In 1992 Mark was offered a position as a bass player! vocalist for South Jersey based country band Thunder Rose. Wanting to perform and understanding the explosion of country music in the era, Mark jumped on board. A new love affair with country music was born. Playing bass guitar and sharing vocal duties with Kim Loundsberry and Jack Dilks, Mark along with other band members Jason Wilde, John Turner and Mark Johnson began a roller coaster ride of a journey. This journey culminated with the Tangier Sound Country Music Festival in Crisfield, MD and WDSD Radio’s Family reunion concert in Wilmington, DE in summer and fall of 1995. As reward for much local success Mark and the band were honored to have shared the stage with such country music greats as Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Brooks and Dunn, John Michael Montgomery, Neil McCoy, Hal Ketchum, Leroy Parnell, The Moffets and John and Audrey Wiggins. Following one show Mark was approached by Leroy Parnell, who complimented his songwriting ability. The band went in different directions and parted ways in 1995.

Mark immediately began recording his freshman album “Long Time Coming” which featured many area musicians including Dave DiCamillo from the Dallas Band, Mark Johnson, Brian Hayes, Tom Eppes and Steve Hobson. The album went on to get national recognition, having singles hit the European country music charts. Mark started the “Dixie Highway Band” in 1996 and began performing in the Delaware Valley in support of “Long Time Coming” through 2003.

In 2004 after a short break Mark began writing songs for his sophomore album. He formed the “Whiskey River Band” along with former Dixie Highway drummer and friend Dave Walker. The band, while performing in the DE Valley began recording sessions at Target Studios. The final product was being mixed when Mark was contacted by his booking agent to arrange a meeting with Norristown PA / Nashville TN based “Lito Records”. They were looking for a country artist and liked Mark and his music. Mark signed his first record contract in the fall of 2004. To follow the album, entitled “Honky Tonk Hero” was completely re-cut and re-mixed at Studio Crash in Philadelphia, PA. Following its release, its worlwide success was immediate. The album charted in the top 10 on Eropean Country radio and as high as #1 in some countries, and had begun getting airplay on small market country radio in the US. The album was picked up for national distribution, and hit the shelves of every Kmart this side of the Mississippi River. Mark and the band began a supporting tour, traveling the country visiting Kmart’s, meeting fans, and signing autographs. It was a great experience. In the process we were picked up by southern rock legends “The Outlaws” to perform as the opening act for shows on the east coast leg of their 30 year reunion tour. The band played memorable shows at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ, the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA, The Big Kahuna Summer Concert Series in Wilmington, DE and Judy Van Zandt / Williams’ Free Bird in Jacksonville Beach Florida. In the course of the tour Mark was accepted as a voting member of the Country Music Association, became a member of the Nashville Songwriter’s Association, sang a song at the historic Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville, TN, and acted and performed for two music videos. As if that all wasn’t enough, “Honky Tonk Hero” was nominated by a member of the Recording Academy for two Grammy Awards in 1995.

After a short break Mark and the band are back in the Delaware Valley performing and working on songs for a new album. Come out and see us. Please say hello. We want to meet each and every one of you! For without fans to listen and watch, there is no need for bands and musicians to perform. We love you all.