About Me
Layout Provided By FreeCodeSource.com - Myspace Layouts John Marcus aka "MARKISS" was born in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Markiss self taught talent evolved to participating in church choirs and playing with local musicians. By the time Markiss was an 18 y/o in 1972, and not even old enough to legally patron a club, his guitar ability and keen musical sense led him onto stages within the vibrant local Chicago club scene. At the age of 20 Markiss was working in nightclubs across the city, along side many of Chicago's reputable Blues musicians. As a vibrant tour artist, Markiss climbed the ranks of the blues scene acheiving musical director for Al Green, lead guitarist for the Spinners, Howlin' Wolf and eventually Muddy Waters.Although Markiss' roots are deeply embedded in traditional Blues, Markiss' musical thirst delved into rock, jazz, reggae, funk and traditional African music. Markiss performed and/or toured with some of America's best known national acts including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Johnny Winter, Sun Ra, The Wailers, Judy Mowatt, John Holt, Buddy Guy, Syl Johnson, James Cotton, Otis Clay, Chico Chism, Walter Payton, Ann Pebbles, Sugar Blue, and the Mandingo Griot Society. He has shared the stage with Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Miles, Mojo Buford, 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 , he created and joined several local/touring bands in Minneapolis such as Markiss and the Shades of Color, Mojo Roots, Ipso Facto, International Reggae All Stars (IRAS), Rene Austin, Barbra LaShoure, World Beat Band Shangoya and
Willy Murphy & the Angel Headed Hipsters.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 continues a musical career that looks forward to continual recording, producing, and song writing as well as pleasing audiences that will forever enjoy his dynamic and entertaining live & blistering guitar performances.
