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RIP Mark Sallings



Mark Sallings, the legendary harmonica player and leader of the Famous Unknowns, died last night in Crawfordsville in a automobile accident, KARK reports.

Sallings, who KARK reports was 56, cut his teeth, at 19, as a session musician for Stax under the direction of Steve Cropper. In the year's that followed, he appeared on the cover of Billboard Magazine, signed to Mercury Records, recorded at Sun Records and played festivals and venues all across the country, according to Dick Papa Blues of the Kansas City Blues Society.

Sallings' band, the Famous Unknowns, was the first house band at BB King's Blues Club in Memphis.

Posted by Lindsey Millar on February 26, 2009 01:59 PM |

Comments

Mark was a true bluesman! He was the greatest blues harp player I've ever heard live. I'm devastated by the loss, but I'm lucky to have spent time and played music with him lately. We have lost a real historian and messenger of the blues. RIP, Mark. Your passion for life was an inspiration.

Posted by: Shannon Boshears [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 27, 2009 12:26 PM

That's the FAMOUS UNKNOWNS Lindsey, even though they were fabulous and probably the best band I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing the stage and your talent with us Mark Sallings, we will remember you fondly as we continue on this blues path. RIP to a great Arkansas Bluesman.

Posted by: Char-t [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 27, 2009 02:52 PM

I must Thank God for giving me the oppurtunity to meet Mark.I like many have seen plenty of musicians in my life..but have never seen anyone as genuine or sincere has Mr. Mark Sallings.My heart goes out to the Family..I will miss you.

Posted by: Sean [TypeKey Profile Page] | April 21, 2009 11:03 AM

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