Walkin' Cane Mark (August 26, 1967 – June 21, 2020[1]) was an American blues vocalist, harmonica player and recording artist, based in Phoenix, Arizona, United States.[2]
(1986) Walkin' Cane Mark started singing with Phoenix blues bands at 19 years old.
(1989) Mark started his professional career at the age of 22 fronting blues and r&b band "Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns", band leader/bass player Ted Kowal wanted a front man that had the live stage presence and wildness of the blue-eyed soul man Wayne Cochran. Ironically this was later also noticed by C.C. Rider alumni and WC Mark was invited as a special guest at two of Wayne Cochran & The CC Riders reunions (2001 & 2003; Hollywood and Miami Florida).
(1994) The start of W C Mark's solo career and the formation of "Walkin' Cane Mark & A Shot In The Dark".
(1995) Mark was signed to the independent record label JAEN Records (usually recording with his touring band at the time).
(1996) the 1996 "No Rest For The Wicked" album and tour featuring ex members of the Parliament Funkadelic (P-Funk) horn section.
(1997–2001) Mark teams up with blues/r&b shouter Nappy Brown for several tours of Europe with "The Nappy Brown/ Walkin' Cane Mark Blues Show".
(2001–2010) Mark performed as a side man (harmonica) and semi-retirement.
(2011) Walkin' Cane Mark was back recording his first album in 11 years, Tryin' To Make You Understand (title song co-written with Junior Wells in 1995).
(2012–2013) The launch of Walkincanemark.com. Cane begins work with new manager Christopher Slattery and roots/blues advocate Betsie Brown on Blind Raccoon.
(2013) "Tryin' To Make You Understand – Remastered" released recording nationally and internationally spending more than four weeks in the number one in the "Classic Blues Chart".
Origin
Willie Dixon dubbed Mark, "Walkin' Cane Mark" in 1988 when he was forced to walk with a cane after an injury. It was also Mr. Dixon who first recognized Mark's passion for blues and soul music. Dixon gave Cane "Gravedigger Blues" for his first CD. Walkin' Cane Mark was taught his first harmonica licks by renowned band leader R.D. Olson, then went on to refine his technique under the tutelage of Chicago musicians Snooky Pryor & Junior Wells. Mark played in a "Mississippi Saxophone" style much like Snooky Pryor, (starting songs with a honking harmonica intro thus directing the backing band in the formation and feel of the song). Mark was also well known for mixing a classic "Memphis Soul" sound with his vocal delivery and larger than life stage presence. He is also known to be one of the youngest players that used older post WWII style of blues (such as Sunny Boy No. 1 & Snooky Pryor) harmonica playing. Walkin' Cane Mark is considered one of the most charismatic live personalities who performed the blues. (Source: "Walkin' Cane Mark's Blues" by Jarrett Hendricks). In 2007, Walkin' Cane Mark had his first son named after his grandfather, Edward and in 2010 had to fraternal twins, Elizabeth and Isabella and would go on to become not only a musician but a dad. (Source: His son, Edward Brehm)
Endorsements
Shaker Harmonica Microphones, RedPlate Amplifiers, Yonberg Harmonicas, Ziggies Music Phoenix
Discography
Albums
Album title
Record label
Accreditation
Year of release
Out Of Control
Mad Man Records
(featured duet with Chico Chism) as lead vocal with Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns
1990
The Gravedigger
JAEN Records CR 95-1003
Walkin' Cane Mark
1995
No Rest for the Wicked
JAEN Records CR 96-2007
Walkin' Cane Mark (featured duet with Lazy Lester)
