R. Mark Black is originally from Clover S.C. He began his musical quest at the early age of 15, playing at a local nightclub. He was heavily influenced in the musical direction by his Uncle and worked closely with him until he graduated from high school.
Mark then began his formal musical training at Appalachian State University and in particular, the well-established School of Music there in Boone NC. Dr. William A. Gora served as Mark’s chief influence and saxophone professor. While he was there, he also garnered an appreciation for voice and in particular the Opera Workshop. He studied with Sharon Papian developing his vocal abilities and honing his particular style. Mark quickly made many acquaintances and joined the Phi Mu Alpha fraternity where he would develop personal and professional relationships that would accompany him far beyond the confines of college. He shared the stage during that period of time with Jazz Greats: Buddy Baker, Rich Matteson and the late Michael Brecker. Mark still remained active in his commercial ventures and shared the stage with such artists as: Steve Wariner, Gene Watson, Gary Morris, Leon Russell, and many more. Mark graduated from ASU and immediately pursued his career in music performance.
He was hired by the Fabulous Kays from Charlotte NC and worked with them for seven years and six months. While there in Charlotte Mark began his recording career both as a performer/artist and also as an engineer. In 1996, Mark was offered a position with The Embers where he gained notoriety both on stage and in the studio. Mark continued with the Embers until September of 2004, when he decided to leave the road for professional and family reasons. Mark has a very successful side-career as a studio vocalist, saxophonist, composer, arranger and producer. He has produced music for many Beach Music acts as well as two full-length documentaries that have aired on the Discovery Channel and the History Channel.
Mark is an insurance and investments analyst in Mt. Pleasant SC, and has two children, Samantha and Kaleigh Black. For additional information, please contact his website at: www.auraldesigns.com
