biography
B.J. Wyatt - Bass/Drums/Background Vocals
Anthony Hensley - Lead Guitar/Background Vocals
Mike Black - Drums/Bass/Background Vocals
Marc Whitson - Acoustic Rhythm/Lead Vocals
Marc Whitson was born and raised in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and his love for country life is only matched by his love for country music.
Marc grew up in Burnsville, a small North Carolina town, population 1,300. As the son of a Pastor and gospel performer, Marc was no stranger to musical harmony singing in his Dad's church or along side of friends and family at community functions. The rich Country/Bluegrass/Southern gospel music of the Appalachians was instilled in him.
“I looked for every opportunity to sing. Singing was a part of my life from an early age. I would sing at revival meetings or join my aunts during special holidays as we would harmonize around the piano in my grandmother’s home.”
Not only did Marc enjoy country and gospel music but he also drew in many influences from all types of other genres. “My interest was diverse. I’ve always liked to mix it up a little bit. I remember late nights down some dirt road listening to Skynyrd just hanging out until two in the morning with my friends. My cousin and I loved to pick the guitars and sing a little blues, some rock, and a lot of country. When we would finish, people were always amazed that these two crazy guys could do that.”
In high school, Marc sang with a group of friends. His big debut came during his senior year when he and his friends brought the house down with their performance at a talent show. He again was honored when he was chosen to sing a solo at his high school graduation. He dedicated the song, “The Perfect Fan”, to his biggest fan and motivator, his mother. She always encouraged him to follow his dream, which is what he is doing today.
After graduation, it was off to college, but he continued to reverie about one day sharing his talent with the world. He kept this dream alive by performing at many open mic nights. While attending Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, he became a member of the A cappella group called Higher Ground. The group performed on college campuses such as NC State, Elon University, Virginia Tech and many more. They had the privilege of competing with other university A cappella groups for fun and for BOCA, also known as Best of College A cappella.
In 2005, Marc graduated from Appalachian State University and is working on his first LP with producer Jeffrey Vice of Red Tin Roof Music, Nashville.
“Since graduation, I’ve been playing anything I can get my hands on and any venue I can get in. I love music, and I get great pleasure out of singing at a party full of strangers or at an outing with my friends. I am always serious about my music, but I still always walk away from a show knowing that everyone in there had a good time.”
Marc has his sights set on Nashville, and he is not one to give up easy. Keep your eyes and ears open for Marc Whitson in the very near future.