Marc Whitson

It was no coincidence that Marc Whitson was born and raised in the

heart of the Appalachian Mountains, because his love for country life is

only matched by his love for country music.



Marc grew up in a small town, population 1,600. As the son of a Pastor

and gospel performer, he was no stranger to musical harmony. It was

there in his Dad's church that Marc began to sing regularly. He loved

performing and would look for an audience that would listen to him sing.

Growing up in a musically inclined family who sang at community functions

helped to encourage him to pursue his dreams. The rich

Country/Bluegrass/Southern gospel music of the Appalachians was instilled in him.



"I remember singing whenever I would get the opportunity. Church

helped me realize that singing was something that I enjoyed. I remember all

those revivals and hearing all the perfect harmonies in the church

house. During the holidays, I seem to always get chills every time I stand

between my aunts because we all will gather up and sing and if you

haven't heard my aunts, then you should. They are what I think everyone

will sound like when we go to heaven."



While in high school, Marc had the opportunity to learn to play guitar

and soon mastered the art of it. He actively began to sing and play

with a local group of students as a hobby that he enjoyed. Of course, Marc

has always envisioned becoming a performer. He soon started drawing

influences from other types of music, not only country and gospel. He

felt that he needed to branch out and have an open mind for all types.



"You come to a point where if you don't listen to everything, it just

becomes monotonous. I like to mix it up a little bit. I have many

influences within the rock world as well. I remember late nights beside

campfires listening to Skynyrd and all my friends and I hanging out until

2 in the morning. My cousin and I use to always drag out a guitar and

sing for everyone. When we would finish, people were always amazed that

these two crazy guys could do that."



When talent shows would present an opportunity for him to perform, Marc

and his buddies were the first in line. They were honored when they

were asked to perform in his local high school talent show during his

senior year in which received a standing ovation. On graduation day, he was

again given the opportunity to perform to his fellow classmates and to

all in attendance for that special occasion.



"When I was in high school, my biggest motivator to get through it was

my mother. She would push me to try and be the best I could be. On

graduation day, I sang a song that I dedicated just to her. The song is

called "The Perfect Fan" and it paints the picture of Mom always being

there by my side"



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 an A

cappella group called Higher Ground. The group has held concerts 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.



"Performing with Higher Ground gave me the opportunity to allow myself

become more comfortable on stage. I have learned techniques on how to

get rid of the butterflies. I still get them but deal with them better.

Also singing with them, I have a keener ear for better harmonies."



Marc now has graduated from Appalachian State University and is working

on his first LP with producer Jeffrey Vice of Red Tin Roof Music,

Nashville. His family and friends, who have been his best critics, as well

as his loyal supporters, are encouraging him to continue with his dream.

He now has honored the request of his parents to finish school and now

is hitting the ground running performing some of his new material a

festivals and other " Get-together" as he puts it.



"We've been playing anything from local festivals to luncheons. We

just love the music and love to play. I haven't seen to many people

except the muzik mafia that can play anything from country to rap songs like

we can. It's something that always got a laugh at parties while in

college or it was something that was requested that we played and still do.

Don't let my different taste's in music fool you though. I still have

my Waylon and Johnny CD's on rotation. We just like to have a good time

and enjoy good music."



Marc has his sights set on Nashville, and he is not one to give up

easily. Keep your eyes and ears open for Marc Whitson in the very near

future.



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