Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Sandra Sallings
Date: 10 Apr 09 - 01:30 PM

Okay, I'm going to clear this up once and for all:

I, yes, I, gave the picture and the harmonica to Mark's mother.

I am sorry if that hurt Don's feelings, it was not my intentions.

Now then...

Although this is not my forum and I am not a member, I am respectfully asking that if anyone wants to post anything else, that they be kind, say nice things, refrain from negativity.

Remember that we are all still grieving: his Mother, his children, step children, his wife, his first wife, his siblings, his friends all of them "old and new", and his fans.

This is a very, very sorrowful and painful time for anyone who loved Mark.

Everyone, please... talk about the good things regarding your memories of Mark. Leave the family out of discussion unless it is something kind and positive.

Thank You

---

And with that, I think I'll close this thread. This is a music forum, not a place for personal squabbles (although we get far too many of them).
-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 06 Apr 09 - 04:45 PM

Sorry to hear this.

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Friend of the family
Date: 05 Apr 09 - 04:59 PM

I personally witnessed Sandi giving Mark's grieving mother the collage of Mark as well as his beloved harmonica outside the church after the service. So this ongoing dispute needs to be silenced for I can account for everything that took place in regards to those
two items.

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Joan Sallings
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 08:15 PM

I am one of Mark's sisters and I want to reply to the guy who is suggesting that someone stole his collage. The truth is, and I have many witnesses who saw it, that Sandi took the collage off the top of the casket, handed it to my mother, and said "I want you to have this". Now you're asking her to give it back as if she stole it. She doesn't mind giving it back, but I resent your implications. You're right. It is the principle that's important.

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Jeff
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 01:34 AM

Met Mark during a few days stay @ one of the Tunica Casino gigs a couple years ago. His bass player and I are old friends and songwriting partners, so he introduced me to Mark. We had a long phone conversation afterward and I agreed to rep for him in Nashville. Spoke w/Sandy for a good while, too re a guy I knew who was a 'website wizard'. He has since moved on to LA. Mark sent me cds and promo material. I met w/a lot of resistance from the record companies, but Satelite Radio(Sirius in particular) took one of the kits and was interested in including Mark in their rotation. They wanted him to come to town and a date(s) was never worked out. Life demands got in the way and things fell by the wayside. I'll always be appreciative of Mark's trust of me, someone he barely new to rep him in Trash-Vegas. The interesting thing was as much resistance that I received from the record companies was completely the opposite from the players around town. I had a list of 5 drummers, 4 guitar payers, 5 keys and a slew of brass that would back him FOR NOTHING, such was his rep and esteem.

Like previously stated: a players player, musician's musician and a man's man. Statesman of the Blues, Mark Sallings.(RIP)

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Lois
Date: 14 Mar 09 - 12:25 PM

I had some one on one talks, with Mark, and was glad to meet and know him.
Twice, when we talked, he talked about the two girls and boy, from
the first Marriage. He say's, Lois, I never hear from my Kids, maybe
unless they wanted something. I tried to ease his pain, by saying
Well Mark, maybe down the road, they will Grow-up and except you as
you are, they Surely do not know what their missing.!! I kept this to
myself, until now;, as when people tell me Personal or anything, I don't
spread rumors, so even Sandi, does not know this. Maybe if she reads
this.
And then we would go back to our music talking, Me trying to Learn
Harmonica, Mark, made it so Easy!! I have his Riff's and will make
a little book, but he always said, Put That Harp in Your MOUTH!!!
He was Great Guy, will miss him, We Love Sandi, and Her kids, Mark,Jr.
Surely, loved his Step-Dad.; and has good memories of fishing with him.
Well this is my 2 cents, and God Bless, Mark!!!Thanks for the music and Memories.!!!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Don & Lois
Date: 14 Mar 09 - 09:23 AM

Mark was a good friend and a great musician, and we will miss him. It's too bad some family members try to exclude Mark's step children. In the fifteen years we knew Mark and Sandi his step children were the only ones that we ever met.

It would also be nice if Sandi could get the collage back that I did for her as a tribute to Mark. The one that was taken off the casket at the funeral. It's not that I can't replace it for her, it's the principal of the thing.

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Joe Powell
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 08:33 AM

I am sure Mark loved his Step sons just as if they were his own, that's just the type of person he was! Gos Bless Sandi and all five of his children!!

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 12:47 AM

This information is taken from McCrory, AR., Obit: Mark is survived by his wife, Sandy, his three children, Sara, Ann, Thomas, two Step-Sons, Mark Andrew and Billy Martin and one Step Grandchild, Kalli Jo Martin.

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 11:11 PM

Thanks Ken.. yes, Mark loved us dearly. I have noted here on this blog that some people are trying to exclude "our children," Mark's step sons as if they are non-existent. Everyone knows that Mark loved Mark Andrew so very, very much, they were peas in a pod. It is so hurtful to read some of the posts, siting that "Mark and Sandi had no children." He would have corrected the people making those remarks. So, to you I say, from the bottom of my heart, during one of the saddest times of my life... thanks for your kind words and your friendship over the years.

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Sandra Sallings
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 11:02 PM

Mark had two step sons he loved dearly. His oldest "son" Mark Andrew was a very important part of his life and they shared a passion for car restoration.

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Jay and Mary Schapiro
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 11:54 PM

was shocked to hear about mark-we owned Schapiros on Central in hot springs ar. from 1999-2006.Mark and the boys played our club many times .In fact i sat in on a number of songs playing the keyboard

Even though we dont own the club anymore ,we still looked to see if mark was playing in tunica every time we made a trip there

He will be greatly missed

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,mooretj2002
Date: 06 Mar 09 - 07:55 PM

I am so sorry to hear this news. I knew Mark a long time ago. What a talent. He was "special", gifted, a bluesman...his passing will be felt by alot of people. Tamey and Duane Williams, Wynne AR

Subject: RE: Obit: blues harpist Mark Sallings (Feb 2009)
From: GUEST,Ken Gardner Indianapolis
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 10:55 PM

I first got to know Mark when we lived in Branson. Mark and the Unknowns played at Waynes and I always stopped by when he was in town. I lived in Chicago for a number of years and always loved the blues. I spent many a night at "Wise Fools and the Quiet Night". Long since gone and home of some of the best. That was until I spent some time with Mark. He had a love for the music. I never thought he was in in for the money but for his music. We always stayed in touch over the years,in fact my wife and I drove to Tunica one weekend just a few weeks ago to spend some time with Mark. We talked about music, old cars, our families, life and Sandy. Who we never got to meet, but I know she and his kids were the love of his life. If I could list my top five artists Mark would make the cut. I think we all go through life, and live the blues. Mark, God bless you my friend, We live the blues today with your passing. God speed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Sallings(RIP)
From: olddude
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 09:40 AM

That is very sad to hear, my prayers are with his family
very sad news indeed

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Sallings(RIP)
From: GUEST,Joe Powell
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 09:37 AM

I was fortunate in knowing Mark through a blues bar I once owned. Mark and his crew The Famous Unknowns played several times at my bar. I, as everyone else will sorely miss MARK!! My sympathy goes out to his wife and kids!!

Joe Powell

Subject: Obit: Mark Sallings(RIP)
From: GUEST,Jeff
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 10:48 PM

Mark Sallings the ledgendary Memphis session player was killed this past week in an auto accident on his way to a casino gig in Tunica, MS. Mark was 56 years old. Details are sketchey, but apparently he lost control of his 1995 Buick and veered into the westbound lane of Highway 64 in Crittenten County, AR. Mark is survived by his wife, Sandy, his three children, Sara, Ann, Thomas, two Step-Sons, Mark Andrew and Billy Martin and one Step Grandchild, Kalli Jo Martin. His current bass player, Fred Martin called me on Thursday night to deliver the news.

Mark was one of the great blues harpists in the world. He was an intregal part of the Memphis Stax sound of session musicians in the 60s. He played keys, sax, flute and 'owned' the harp. Recently, he's shared stages w/such luminaries as Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter and was receiving rave reviews for his studio release 'Let It Be Known' w/his backing trio The Famous Unknowns. All top notch players. He was just at the beginnings of a resurgence of interest in his musical endeavors.

Mark was one of those 'under the radar' guys who may never fully get his due for his effect on music in the mid-south. He was a player's player and was highly respected by anyone who knew him. He was a kind man who cared deeply for his family and held fast to the uncompromising life lessons of the blues. A man's man, musician's musician and a devoted husband and father. One can gain information on Mark by going to his website @ www.marksallings.com or just 'googlesearch' 'Mark Sallings'.

The funeral is Tuesday, March 3rd. There'll be a memorial fund set up in his name for contributions. While I have his widow's mailing address I don't think it would be appropriate to disclose that info here, however innocent the intent. I'll post back if/when I get a proper mailing address for cards, etc.

We who knew him are in deep mourning and our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.