In 1985 at age 19, Mark’s great love for the music ministry and desire to win souls for Christ caused him to organize “The United Voices for Christ” (affectionately known as the Voices). With only three members, the Voices sang under the anointing of God with three major objectives: take a stand against the devil, win souls for Christ and exalt the Lord with serious praise. Mark and the Voices not only grew spiritually, but the Lord blessed the choir to grow exceeding 100 members.
Mark and the Voices signed their first recording contract with Tyscot Records in 1992. The relationship with Tyscot afforded Mark and the Voices to record four projects: “Trust in Jesus”,” No I Won’t Turn Back”, “He’s Up There” and “A Different Level”. These projects are packed with spirit filled songs from traditional to contemporary in order to reach, encourage and uplift the masses. These projects afforded Mark and the Voices three First Round Stellar Award nominations and numerous honors and awards throughout their musical journey.
In 1998/99, Mark and the Voices were blessed to travel and tour several cities in Italy, including Orvieto, Perugia, Bari and Milan. Mark and the Voices performed to many sold out performances that both inspired and saved souls. Mark and the Voices have toured many cities throughout the United States and have developed a loyal fan base and strong reputation for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Mark and the Voices grew to become one of Chicago’s most celebrated choirs. Their spirit filled, high energy performances awarded them many opportunities to perform with some of the country’s most notable gospel and pop/hip-hop celebrities. Mark and the Voices have shared the performance stage with other renown artist as Aretha Franklin, Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, Melba Moore, Tramaine Hawkins, Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Carr, Ted and Sherri, Bee Bee & Cee Cee Winans, Beverly Crawford, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard, Stephanie Mills, The Thompson Community Singers, the late O’Landa Draper Associates, Byron Cage, Pastor DeAndre Patterson and Pastor Donnie McClurkin.
Additionally, Mark and the Voices have performed on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Bobby Jones Gospel, the Chicago Gospel Fest, and at the Chicago Regal Theatre.
Along Mark’s walk with Christ he joined the Sweet Holy Spirit Full Gospel Baptist Church in 1989, where Bishop Larry D. Trotter is pastor and at that time served as the Assistant Minister of Music and director of the Spirit of David Choir. Mark was placed on staff as the Assistant Church Administrator. His responsibilities included arranging and coordinating the Christian music ministries of the church. Mark also served as General Manager of the Joshua Joint.
In 1997, Mark was elected the National Assistant Minister of Music for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship which Bishop Paul S. Morton presides.
In April of 2001, Mark saw a special need in the Christian music community which led him to organize United for One Cause (UF1C). This organization is geared toward assisting choirs, soloist and musicians who are seeking help in developing their talents in the music industry. UF1C also assists in educating Christians regarding health concerns. Several successful conferences have been held in the city of Chicago, with many outstanding guest speakers.
In 2003, Mark and the Voices signed their second recording contract with Utopia Music Group and in October of 2004 released our current CD entitled, Blessin’ Waitin’ on Me. This project afforded Mark and the Voices “The 2006 Stellar Award for Traditional Choir of the Year”.
Mark currently serves as the National Music Administrator for the United Covenant Churches of Christ, Bishop Larry D. Trotter, presides, a board member on the Chicago Gospel Fest Committee under Chairperson, Pam Morris and Administrator of Music and Fine Arts for YAYAC (Youth and Young Adult Chorale).
Mark, the producer, songwriter, vocal trainer and unique choral director loves meeting people from all walks of life and has a heart for the youth. Mark believes in sharing his talents and knowledge of music ministry with others through conducting musical workshops for people of all ages.
