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"Markiss" Guitarist extraordinaire singer and vocalist, music direcctor, band leader & songwriter earned his world class reputation in Chicago as a national and international touring band member with blues legends Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. Over the course of Markiss' career, his list of national and international credits has established him as a world class blues guitarist. Markiss has the distinction, along side Hubert Sumlin, as the only guitarist still alive to have been an actual member of both the legendary Muddy Waters' and Howlin' Wolf Blues bands.
Markiss joined Howlin' Wolf's band in 1978 and toured the U.S. with sideman Eddie Shaw, Detroit Junior and Hubert Sumlin. In 1980 Markiss reached a pinnacle for any guitarist when he was asked to join the Muddy Waters Blues Band. Muddy's favorite blues guitarist was Johnny Winter. Muddy chose Markiss saying "your sound is the closest thing to Johnny I've heard yet." Markiss joined forces with Mojo Buford, Lovee Lee and Ray "KIller" Allison for a world tour. Playing with Muddy solidified Markiss' reputation as one of Chicago's premier Blues guitarists.
Markiss toured Europe and the U.S. with Memphis soul legends Al Green, Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, and Syl Johnson as lead guitarist and musical tour director. His touring credits also include R&B legends The Spinners and reggae superstars Judy Mowatt, John Holt, the Wailers and UB40. In his 30 years, Markiss has also shared the stage with BB King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and The Neville Brothers to mention a few (see entire list here).
His solid experience as a guitarist, musical director, and touring musician, has given him the roots and foundation to carry on the history and tradition of Blues music. With a unique style and interpretation rooted from his native Chicago, Markiss embodies the spirit of the legends that taught and molded him, giving a dynamic electric blues performance that mesmerizes audiences around the world.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
ROOTS
John Marcus aka "MARKISS" was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1954. As a young teen he began his musical journey from within the south side of Chicago's heart of the city where live blues was exploding in the clubs due to the attention brought by Chess Records to the city. Markiss learned the guitar on an electric guitar bought by his father to keep his only son off the streets during the radical and political times of the 1960's. Markiss learned music by participating in church choirs, listening to records and playing with local musicians. By the time he was an 18 y/o in 1972, and not old enough to legally patron a club, his guitar ability and keen musical sense led him onto stages in the vibrant local Chicago club scene. At the age of 20 Markiss was working in nightclubs along side many of Chicago's now reputable Blues musicians. As a working/tour artist, Markiss climbed the ranks of the blues scene touring with acts such Al Green, The Spinners, Howlin' Wolf and eventually Muddy Waters by the time he was 24 years old
Although Markiss' roots are deeply embedded in traditional blues, Markiss' musical thirst delved into rock, jazz, reggae, and traditional African music. Markiss performed and/or toured with some of America's best known national acts including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Sun Ra, The Wailers, Judy Mowatt, John Holt, Buddy Guy, Syl Johnson, James Cotton, Otis Clay, Ann Pebbles, Sugar Blue, and the Mandingo Griot Society. He has shared the stage, traveled in bands or was the opening act for such performers as the legendary BB King, Buddy Miles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Kinsey Report, KoKo Taylor, Tyrone Davis, UB40 , Neville Brothers, Son Seals, Los Lobos, Robert Cray, Valerie Wellington, and Big Time Sarah.
Accomplishing worldwide exposure and recognition as a performing artist Markiss continued to live fully in a solo career as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. Moving to Minneapolis in 1988 he remained a regional working guitarist throughout the Midwest. Melding an expansive knowledge of Blues into his own unique, innovative, and dynamic sound. Here he created and joined several local/touring bands such as Markiss and the Shades of Color, Mojo Roots, Ipso Facto, International Reggae All Stars (IRAS), Rene Austin, Barbra LaShore, Willy Murphy and the Angel Headed Hipsters and world beat band Shangoya.
Markiss' first year in Minneapolis, his Markiss and the Shades of Color band won Minneapolis' Black Music Award for Best New Artist and was nominated 4 years running for Best Blues/R&B Band in the Minnesota Music Awards.
In addition to stage performances, Markiss contributed his time and talent throughout the last 15 years to St. Paul Orchestra's Young Audiences and Songs of Hope. As an artist in residence and with performance group The Maroons, his support and contribution to these youth programs enlightened the hearts and spirits of elementary school children of all ages and from all over the world.
A soul power that supports national acts, lends an explosive and blistering sound to recording projects, education, production, musical direction and live performances, Markiss' arrival to the Southwest continues a musical career that looks forward to recording his debut CD of original music and song writing and continuing dynamic and entertaining live blues performance.
Freelance and Shared Stage Performances
Eric Clapton
Stevie Ray Vaughan
B.B. King
*Buddy Guy
Robert Cray
*Al Green
The Neville Brothers
Johnny Lang
Jeff Beck
Jimmy Page
John Mayall
Stevie Wonder
Los Lobos
*Bo Didley
*Pinetop Perkins
*Muddy Watersv
*Howlin' Wolf
Ivan Neville
*Buddy Miles
Ramsey Lewis
Red Hot Chili Peppersv
*The Emotions
*The Spinners
The Chi-lites
The Black Crowes
*Tyrone Davis
*James Cotton
The Wailers
Koko Taylor
*Junior Wells
George Duke
*Syl Johnson
*Little Milton
*Judy Mowatt
*Half Pint
*The Itals
*Marcia Griffiths
*Baron
*Mandingo Griot Society
Lori Surina, Promotion Manager
lorisurina@aol.com
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