Mark Stephen Jones

Born and raised in Myrtle Beach, SC, Mark Stephen Jones has been dubbed ‘The Carolina Poet’ Growing up in the Low Country gave Jones a wealth of real-life material from which to pull his words.Jones came to Nashville in the early 90’s to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter. On a stormy Friday the 13th, Jones suffered a devastating head-on-collision with an 18-wheeler that left him damaged -- mind, body and soul. After two years of rehabilitation, Jones found himself deeply in debt with a family to support. He recalls, “I didn’t feel young and pretty anymore . . . the music business was over for me.” Jones launched himself into many entrepreneurial ventures including restaurants, bars, parking lots and real estate. “I had this bar called Whiskey Jones and one day my buddy Chuck Cannon walks in and says, ‘Hey man! You ever heard of a guy named Toby Keith?’ and I said, ‘Hell yeah!’ and he said, ‘You just got the first song on the first side of his new record!’” Keith recorded “The Lonely” for his album, Blue Moon. Once again, Mark’s fire for music was ignited.Despite good news, Jones faced his most difficult obstacle yet; his 16-year marriage fell apart. He found himself divorced, broke and virtually homeless. “I had made a little money and spent most of it. I had met a lot of good people during that period of my life but I had nothing left to show for it and nothing left to lose.” Jones decided to give Nashville one more try.Jones’ innate gift to write the truth is accredited to his love affair with life and people. He is often called the songwriter’s songwriter. Whether Jones is writing about political controversies or personal addictions, Jones will pull you into a dark underworld, exposing you to his sardonic sense of humor.One of Mark’s songwriting heroes is the “Dean of country music,” the late Harlan Howard. Jones was thrilled to sign an exclusive publishing deal with Howard’s widow, Melanie Howard, who came to Jones through his work with fellow songwriter, Travis Meadows. After hearing one of their collaborations she called Travis to tell him it was one of the best songs she had heard in a long time. Meadows said that he had penned the song with one of his drinking buddies. “Mark is one of the best songwriters to ever grace the streets of Nashville.” Travis reflects. “He sings about life the way it really is; painful and beautiful. His no holds barred approach to every song that bleeds from an old guitar and with a smoky voice finds it’s way into your very soul and it changes you. He tells the truth, not just the pretty parts but all of it. We need more like him.” It didn’t take Howard long to get Jones in the office for a meeting. Within a few days, the ink on the deal was dry.“This guy is so good it’s kinda like cheating.” ---Chuck Cannon---Jones resides in Nashville, TN with his faithful companion, a beautiful brown-haired Newfoundland named Conway.---Mark's new cd , Self Made Man is currently available for purchase on Itunes, Cd Baby, Nashville Independent Music and other internet distributors. Layout by: My Layouts Creator Layout by: My Layouts Creator