Arkansas blues harpist Mark Sallings tragically died in a two-vehicle accident on February 25, 2009 while driving to a casino gig in Tunica, Mississippi. Born near Helena, Arkansas, 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. He was just 56 years old at the time of his death.
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 will be missed by his many fans, both at home and overseas.
Comments
Yes, Mark will be greatly missed by many.Please keep his wife, Sandra Sallings in prayer as today and the future is going to be a struggle for her. Sandra and Mark are friends of mine and they are very special to me and the Father above. God bless you, Mark.
he was my friend of 47 years
rip my brother
Connie, I want to thank you for being such a beautiful friend who is kind, loving, honest and true. Many knew Mark, many loved Mark… you knew us both…. you loved us both.. keep your prayers going up for not only me, but for his family as well. Love you, San
Mark was a Big Branch on that Mighty Oak and He left his leaves on so many as he did us. We will keep him in our hearts, as will everydody that he touched. We wish Sandy all the best as well as Mark’s Kin’. And
Blues Nite would have never been the same without Mark’s heartfelt performances.
We will see you on the other side my brother!
Lenny & Annie Norvilla
http://www.bluesnite.net
I saw Mark with the Famous Unknowns at Georges in Fayetteville. He was very cool and very talented. Mark…thanks for the music and may you rest in peace.
Adele steger
Saw the boys at BB’s joint. Play some harp myself, but try as I may, couldn’t carry Mark’s gig bag. Gonna miss that style.
RIP
I must thank god for giving me the oppurtunity to meet Mark Sallings..
Sandy, I am so sorry to hear about this. I have just found out by one of your boys. I will keep you in my prayers. I dont know if you remember me but Annie and I came and stayed a couple weeks during the summer. its been about 11 years ago.
take care.
Lacey
Sandy,
I just found out about Mark. So sorry for your loss and all who knew and loved Mark. Though we had grown apart over the last years, I still respected him highly, as a great soul and a great musician. I will miss him!
My Best,
Tim
Lacey,
Yes, I do remember you coming to visit with Annie. The time you two spent here is a very good memory for me (and it was for Mark). I have some photos of you two. I gave some to Annie years ago. If you want copies, I will be glad to give some to you. Thanks for your kind comment. Sorry it took so long to reply. It’s been very, very hard losing Mark. Let me know about the pics.
I was shocked to hear this news, as well as deeply saddened. I taped a performance of Mark and the band at the Riverfront Blues Festival in Wilmington, DE in October 2006. Please enjoy this performance of this legendary bluesman in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY_KeGSCxbY
Please forgive my misspelling of his last name in the graphics, I will re-edit the footage very soon and share it with all of you.
I met Mark at the big week long blues fest in Charleston SC,in Feb. ‘a couole years prior to his death, and later when he passed throough Columbia SC, ( i think he has kin in Columbia?)and got him a gig at a local joint for the door..i play harp and he let me play his mic while he played his sax…i have many pics and both cd’s autographed. Loved him and proud to have those great memories…BluePanJerry