Marcus King

Greenville, South Carolina - The Marcus King Band, led by the talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist Marcus King, is making waves in the music scene. Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains, King's musical lineage runs deep, with his great grandfather playing the fiddle and his grandfather being a fiddler and guitarist. His father, Marvin King, leads his own band, Marvin King and Blue Revival.

At just 22 years old, Marcus King has already spent half his lifetime writing songs, performing on stage, and leading his own groups. His extraordinary talent caught the attention of famous fans and mentors Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, with whom King has traded licks since his teenage years. Haynes was so impressed by King's artistic precocity that he signed him to his Evil Teen label, leading to the release of the band's debut album, Soul Insight, in 2015, and the self-titled follow-up that Haynes produced a year later.

In October 2018, the band released their third full-length album, Carolina Confessions. This sprawling and captivating work showcases King's maturity as an artist. With eloquent songs, expressive guitar playing, and soulful vocals, King solidifies his position as one of today's most engaging and unique songwriters. Despite his young age, his talent makes him a force to be reckoned with.

Carolina Confessions, with its cover image of a ramshackle confessional surrounded by kudzu, encapsulates the Southern Gothic mystery that permeates the album's songs. King draws inspiration from the concept of confessing one's sins, a powerful idea imparted by his Catholic background. The album explores themes of redemption and damnation, painting a vivid portrait of spiritual struggles.

On Carolina Confessions, King, along with his bandmates - drummer Jack Ryan, bass player Stephen Campbell, trumpeter/trombonist Justin Johnson, sax player Dean Mitchell, and keyboard player DeShawn "D-Vibes" Alexander - demonstrate their musical growth and versatility. King wrote all the material, except for the swaggering track "How Long," co-written with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys and veteran songwriter Pat McLaughlin. Explaining the album's theme, King says, "Every tune on this record is based around a central theme, which is that none of us are blameless at the end of a relationship."

In 2020, King's album El Dorado, produced by Dan Auerbach, received a nomination for Best Americana Album at the Grammy Awards. His single "Blood on the Tracks" and "Pain" have been released as singles from his upcoming album Young Blood, set to be released in August 2022.

Now, in March 2023, King has released a new single, a cover of the Rolling Stones classic "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'," featured on the album Stoned Cold Country - a tribute to the Rolling Stones by various artists.

Marcus King is the epitome of a musical prodigy carrying the torch of Southern rock. With his exceptional talent, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying performances, King's star continues to rise. Keep an ear out for his upcoming album and be prepared to be blown away by his passion and skill.