Always a songwriter first and at heart, Salling recently released his debut solo album “Smoke Signals” under the pseudonym Jericho. A jack-of-all-trades, Salling plays guitar, piano, bass and drums while writing, producing and singing lead vocals on all his tracks and even lending his original songs to other artists such as Josh Green and Danielle McKee. A sound unlike any other, Salling’s music is an eclectic blend of indie and alternative rock, with the timelessness of Radiohead, and the pop sensibility of Coldplay. Drawing much of his inspiration from musical groundbreakers as Thom Yorke and Trent Reznor, Salling has committed to a lifestyle of perfecting his primary passion, branching out into all genres, jazz, country, rock, pop and even hip-hop.
Salling, a native of the lone star state left Dallas, Texas with nothing but a suitcase and guitar, moved to Tinsletown, hoping to catch a break and make it on talent alone. But as with most who head out west, the beginning was slow-going—he attended the Los Angeles Music Academy in Pasadena, CA and got a job teaching guitar lessons .
A career years in the making, and five agonizing auditions for “Glee” later, Salling booked the role of “Puck,” the hardcore jock wired with showtunes, beating out several well-known actors for the part.
When he’s not filming the show, Salling can almost always be found behind a guitar or set of keys. Additionally, he enjoys playing basketball, frisbee golf and lifting weights while remaining active in his love of birds and wildlife by volunteering with the James Hunter Wildlife Rescue charity. He enjoys jazz nights at local Hollywood bars and always makes sure there is time left over for his beloved Blue Heeler, “Hank.”
Official Site:
www.marksallingmusic.com
I don't know why but for some reason or other (happens often) Last.fm thinks that some artists don't exist and redirect you to who they think that you mean. In this case I am redirected here and Mark Sallings did exist. So because of having no other choice (I am not allowed to leave a biography on Mark Sallings page.), I am going to provide his biography here below.
MARK SALLINGS
Muscian Song Writer Blues Harpist
Mark Thomas Sallings was born near Helena, Arkansas. He picked up the nick name "Mighty Oak" along the way. Sallings began playing the harp professionally at age 14, and worked in Memphis as a session player with Stax Records right out of high school.
As a journeyman musician, Sallings performed with the Coon Elder Band and as part of country star David Lynn Jones' band during the 1980s, appearing in three of Jones' music videos. Sallings formed his Famous Unknowns band in the early-90s, performing across the country at club dates and festivals. Sallings, also, made frequent appearances at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival through the years.
Sallings recorded two albums with the Famous Unknowns – "Let It Be Known" in 1996 and "Talkin' To Myself" a year later – as well as a solo album, "Temporary Life", which was released in 2005. Sallings also performed on legendary Memphis producer Jim Dickinson's 2006 album "Voodoo Tiger".
Endorsed by Hohner Harmonics and widely considered in the industry as one of the best Delta-style harp players, Sallings was also a talented saxophone and piano player. A familiar presence on the thriving Arkansas blues scene.
Mark Sallings tragically died in a two-vehicle accident while driving to a casino gig in Tunica, Mississippi. Mark Sallings will be missed by his many fans, both at home and overseas.
Mark Sallings recorded only one CD as a group entity, with The Famous Unknowns, titled: Up Close and Personal. Shortly after the release of the CD, The Famous Unknowns disbanded and Mark embarked upon a solo career, performing as front man for his own band: "Mark Sallings and The Famous Unknowns." In 1995 he was signed to Vent Records out of Birmingham, Alabama, where he recorded his first solo CD as simply, Mark Sallings titled: Let it Be Known. Let it Be Known was followed by another solo CD on the Vent label, titled: Talkin' to Myself. Vent Records shut down at the end of 1999. Mark went on to record and independent project, titled: Temporary Life
You can also see: Mark Sallings & the Famous Unknowns on Last.fm.
Birth: Apr. 11, 1952 Death: Feb. 25, 2009
Pipe Dreams
Mark Salling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
for all of my life
she's an anchor
when all of your waves pass me by
but there's a bottle I drink
that makes me feel fine
and I'm watching my life pass me by
these pipe dreams come true
I hope that you know
that I was thinking of you
and as much as I wish
that I could do it alone
I can't
so that's why I'm coming home
There's a reason I stay
though I know damn well
that a city of angels can feel like a hell
but there's a savior I seek
somewhere in the sky
and I'll join him
or at least try
So even if I don't see
these pipe dreams come true
I hope that you know
that I was thinking of you
and as much as I wish
that I could do it alone
I can't
so that's why I'm coming home
So even if I don't see
these pipe dreams come true
I hope that you know
that I was thinking of you
and as much as I wish
that I could do it alone
I can't
so that's why I'm coming home
I can't
so that's why I'm coming home
The lyrics to Mark Salling's song "Pipe Dreams" explore themes of addiction, loneliness, and the search for purpose in life. The singer is torn between a stable and supportive relationship with a woman he has known all his life and the allure of the bottle that gives him temporary relief from his troubles. He acknowledges that he is watching his life pass him by, but feels powerless to stop it. Even though he wishes he could achieve his "pipe dreams" on his own, he recognizes that he needs the help and companionship of others to truly find fulfillment.
The line "a city of angels can feel like a hell" is particularly poignant, as the song was written and recorded by Mark Salling, who was in the midst of a downward spiral at the time. Salling had been charged with possession of child pornography, and was facing up to 20 years in prison. He struggled with addiction and depression, and ultimately took his own life in January 2018, before he could be sentenced.
The lyrics take on a haunting quality in light of Salling's tragic end. They can be interpreted as a cry for help, a plea for understanding, and a cautionary tale all in one.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a woman I've known
for all of my life
she's an anchor
when all of your waves pass me by
The singer has a long-term female friend, who acts as a steady support in his life when things are difficult.
but there's a bottle I drink
that makes me feel fine
and I'm watching my life pass me by
The singer turns to alcohol to escape reality and his problems, but knows that his life is still moving forward without him.
So even if I don't see
these pipe dreams come true
I hope that you know
that I was thinking of you
and as much as I wish
that I could do it alone
I can't
so that's why I'm coming home
The singer acknowledges that his dreams may not be attainable, but wants his friend to know that he values her support and cannot achieve his goals without her help. He plans to return home to seek her support.
There's a reason I stay
though I know damn well
that a city of angels can feel like a hell
but there's a savior I seek
somewhere in the sky
and I'll join him
or at least try
Despite the struggles he faces in Los Angeles, the singer believes in a higher purpose and wants to follow this path, even if it is challenging.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
thechriscullen
this song is actually so chilling after all that’s happened w him
Julianna
Saddening. He had so much talent, but fell down the wrong path...Rest in Peace, Mark. ❤
Nicole
I heard the whole album and I find it really good but this is by far his best song.
Stephanie Harrigle
I don't listen too his music that much but he is good if I listen too him he has nice voice love it 💜
ffic4life
Nngh his voice! OMG!! He needs to singing all the time, cause he has an AMAZING voice. Best on Glee. I hope he goes on to become a big time movie star, and a platinum selling artist. He deserves it more than the rest!!! He's so effing nice and genuine. Love him love him love him!!!
Berserk Max
ffic4life sucks he actually became a fugitive.
Kallima
his voice gives me shivers. I think I'm in LOVE with this man :)
Inger
Love his voice<3 this song is the best on the album:)
lexiraeanderson
I love his singing and his music is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Farah Nabil
Now I can die in peace :'( The song is beautiful!