Marc's Story
Marc was born on February 28, 1954. He began piano lessons at the age of 8 and quickly fell in love with music. In his late teens, Marc's passion for music led him to become the lead vocalist and pianist for several Rock 'n Roll bands, including Hotel, and found him quickly immersed into the club and bar scene.
Marc was raised in a Christ-centered home and accepted Jesus into his life in 1965. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that Marc fully submitted his life and musical talents to the Lord. Over the course of Marc's adult life, he served on various worship teams, including Grace Point Church and Double Oak Community Church. Marc also served as the children's choir director at King's Home where he ministered to and taught at-risk youth who participated in the choir during after-school hours.
In addition to serving on worship teams, Marc released a Christian album in 2003 titled Color Me His. The CD is full of songs with insightful lyrics and strong melodies. The title track “Color Me His,” deals with the subject of racism. “Papa Was A Preacher Man” is a true story about Marc's grandfather who was in ministry in Georgia most of his life. Visit the shop for more info.
Marc was raised in a Christ-centered home and accepted Jesus into his life in 1965. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that Marc fully submitted his life and musical talents to the Lord. Over the course of Marc's adult life, he served on various worship teams, including Grace Point Church and Double Oak Community Church. Marc also served as the children's choir director at King's Home where he ministered to and taught at-risk youth who participated in the choir during after-school hours.
In addition to serving on worship teams, Marc released a Christian album in 2003 titled Color Me His. The CD is full of songs with insightful lyrics and strong melodies. The title track “Color Me His,” deals with the subject of racism. “Papa Was A Preacher Man” is a true story about Marc's grandfather who was in ministry in Georgia most of his life. Visit the shop for more info.
Throat Cancer / Phillips Fest
In 2004, Marc was diagnosed with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He began aggressive radiation and chemotherapy which left him unable to physically work and no way to pay his expenses, including medical bills. A generous group of Marc's closest friends (including Michael Trucks, Rick Burgess, Bill "Bubba" Bussey, Conrad Rafield, Tony Ruffino, Gary Weinberger, and much of the music community along with Red Mountain Entertainment Company) put together an amazing benefit concert called Phillips Fest.
Phillips Fest was held at the Alabama Theater in March of 2005. Telluride, Brother Cain (featuring Damon Johnson), and Locust Fork were headliners along with solo performances by Kevin Derryberry and J. Willoughby. Rick and Bubba were the MCs for the night, and their band, Mr. Lucky, made an appearance as well.
Phillips Fest was held at the Alabama Theater in March of 2005. Telluride, Brother Cain (featuring Damon Johnson), and Locust Fork were headliners along with solo performances by Kevin Derryberry and J. Willoughby. Rick and Bubba were the MCs for the night, and their band, Mr. Lucky, made an appearance as well.
Pouring It Out On Me
Throughout Marc's battle with cancer and treatments, the Lord healed him and radically changed his life. Marc wrote a song called "Pouring It Out On Me." This song is believed to be the best song Marc has ever written and his passion for the Lord can be found in the lyrics.
Along with his song, Marc published an autobiography titled Pouring it Out On Me. In his book, Marc takes you on a journey through the difficult and wonderful moments that shaped his life and brought him closer to Christ. Marc shares about his band tours and deals, addictions, and the amazing fans. You will gain insight into Marc's early years, his skyrocketing career, as well as his battle with cancer. Visit the shop to learn more.
An excerpt from Marc's book: "It was a cold, dark night in November 2005. While the day was probably insignificant to most people, it was the lowest point in my life. I was a fifty-year old man lying shirtless on my back, on the bathroom floor, crying like a child. I had just thrown up again and was as sick as I had ever been. The cancer treatments were even worse than I could have imagined. My seventy-four year old mother, who had moved in to take care of me, cleaned up the bathroom and got down on both knees next to me. Thank God for the never-ending love a mom has for her children. While comfort can come from various people, no comfort is any greater than that which comes from your mother. Weak and feeling totally helpless, I looked up at my mom and said, 'If this is how it's going to be, I just don't think I can make it.' She picked up my head, placed it on her lap, and gently rubbed my face. She looked down at me and said with complete confidence and composure, 'Son, not only CAN you get through this, you WILL get through this.' At that moment I realized that parents never cease to be an influence on their children's lives."
