Blues Search Engine: Markiss

John Marcus aka "MARKISS" was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1954. As a young teen he began his musical journey from within the south side of Chicago's heart of the city where live blues was exploding in the clubs due to the attention brought by Chess Records to the city. Markiss learned the guitar on an electric guitar bought by his father to keep his only son off the streets during the radical and political times of the 1960's. Markiss learned music by participating in church choirs, listening to records and playing with local musicians. By the time he was an 18 y/o in 1972, and not old enough to legally patron a club, his guitar ability and keen musical sense led him onto stages in the vibrant local Chicago club scene. At the age of 20 Markiss was working in nightclubs along side many of Chicago's now reputable Blues musicians. As a working/tour artist, Markiss climbed the ranks of the blues scene touring with acts such Al Green, The Spinners, Howlin' Wolf and eventually Muddy Waters by the time he was 24 years old. Although Markiss' roots are deeply embedded in traditional blues, Markiss' musical thirst delved into rock, jazz, reggae, and traditional African music. Markiss performed and/or toured with some of America's best known national acts including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Sun Ra, The Wailers, Judy Mowatt, John Holt, Buddy Guy, Syl Johnson, James Cotton, Otis Clay, Ann Pebbles, Sugar Blue, and the Mandingo Griot Society. He has shared the stage, traveled in bands or was the opening act for such performers as the legendary B.B. King, Buddy Miles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Kinsey Report, Koko Taylor, Tyrone Davis, UB40 , Neville Brothers, Son Seals, Los Lobos, Robert Cray, Valerie Wellington, and Big Time Sarah. Accomplishing worldwide exposure and recognition as a performing artist Markiss continued to live fully in a solo career as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. Moving to Minneapolis in 1988 he remained a regional working guitarist throughout the Midwest. Melding an expansive knowledge of Blues into his own unique, innovative, and dynamic sound. Here he created and joined several local/touring bands such as Markiss and the Shades of Color, Mojo Roots, Ipso Facto, International Reggae All Stars (IRAS), Rene Austin, Barbra LaShore, Willy Murphy and the Angel Headed Hipsters and world beat band Shangoya. Markiss' first year in Minneapolis, his Markiss and the Shades of Color band won Minneapolis' Black Music Award for Best New Artist and was nominated 4 years running for Best Blues/R&B Band in the Minnesota Music Awards. In addition to stage performances, Markiss contributed his time and talent throughout the last 15 years to St. Paul Orchestra's Young Audiences and Songs of Hope. As an artist in residence and with performance group The Maroons, his support and contribution to these youth programs enlightened the hearts and spirits of elementary school children of all ages and from all over the world. A soul power that supports national acts, lends an explosive and blistering sound to recording projects, education, production, musical direction and live performances, Markiss' arrival to the Southwest continues a musical career that looks forward to recording his debut CD of original music and song writing and continuing dynamic and entertaining live blues performance. (quoted from Markiss' official website)