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
Willing and Wonderful
Mark Salling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
who knows you again
I was hit by Solomon
you said 'now tell me your dreams'
suddenly it seems that
ain't nobody gonna take away this thing we got going
ain't no one is changing my mind cause I know we got it
all I gotta do is believe in you and
all the world becomes
possibility
if you're willing I'll be wonderful
I'll be wonderful
Wasting away
so much weight on the shoulders of just one phone call
don't you get lonely at the end of the year
but I will always be there
living on a prayer cause
ain't nobody gonna take away this thing we got going
ain't no one is changing my mind cause I know we got it
ain't nobody
all I gotta do is believe in you and
all the world becomes
possibility
if you're willing I'll be wonderful
ain't nobody gonna take away this thing we got going
ain't no one is changing my mind cause I know we got it
ain't nobody
all I gotta do is believe in you and
all the world becomes
possibility
if you're willing I'll be wonderful
ain't nobody gonna take away this thing we got going
ain't no one is changing my mind cause I know we got it
ain't nobody
all I gotta do is believe in you and
all the world becomes
possibility
if you're willing I'll be wonderful
I'll be wonderful
I'll be wonderful
I'll be wonderful
The lyrics of Mark Salling's "Willing and Wonderful" hint towards a new and exciting relationship, where the singer is hopelessly in love with their partner. The song begins with a reference to a "champagne supernova consummation," indicating a passionate and euphoric start to the relationship. The line "I was hit by Solomon, you said 'now tell me your dreams'" suggests that the partner is interested in learning more about the singer's hopes and aspirations. This conversation seems to have changed the singer's worldview, as the following line "suddenly it seems" implies a shift in perspective.
The chorus of the song is a reaffirmation of the singer's love for their partner, stating that "ain't nobody gonna take away this thing we got going" and "all I gotta do is believe in you and all the world becomes possibility." The lyrics convey a sense of security and comfort in the relationship, with the singer willing to do anything to make their partner happy. The repetition of the lines "if you're willing, I'll be wonderful" showcases the singer's unwavering commitment to the relationship.
In the second verse, Mark sings about the struggle of isolation and loneliness, but reassures that he will always be there for them. This is followed by another repetition of the chorus, once again emphasizing the strength of the relationship and the confidence the singer has in their bond.
Overall, "Willing and Wonderful" is a song about the early stages of a passionate and committed relationship that has the potential to stand strong against any obstacle. The lyrics showcase the immense love and faith the singer has in their partner, and their willingness to do anything to make the relationship work.
Line by Line Meaning
On the first day of our champagne supernova consummation
When we first came together, it was magical and larger-than-life like a supernova exploding with champagne.
who knows you again
I felt like I was meeting you for the first time, and I was excited to learn more about you.
I was hit by Solomon
I felt like I was struck by the wisdom and beauty of the ancient king Solomon (known for his wisdom and wealth).
you said 'now tell me your dreams'
You wanted to know what my hopes and aspirations were, and I was eager to share them with you.
suddenly it seems that
At that moment, everything clicked, and it felt like we were meant to be together.
ain't nobody gonna take away this thing we got going
No one can come between us or break the bond we have created.
ain't no one is changing my mind cause I know we got it
I am confident that we have something special, and no one can convince me otherwise.
all I gotta do is believe in you and
As long as I have faith in you and our relationship, everything else falls into place.
all the world becomes
The world opens up to endless possibilities when we are together.
possibility
Together, we can do anything we set our minds to and create unlimited opportunities.
if you're willing I'll be wonderful
If you are willing to take a chance on us and our relationship, I promise to be the best version of myself (wonderful).
Wasting away
Living life without love or meaning is a waste of time and energy.
so much weight on the shoulders of just one phone call
The weight of the world can hinge on a single phone call, making or breaking relationships.
don't you get lonely at the end of the year
The end of the year can be a lonely time when reflecting on life and relationships.
but I will always be there
I will always be there for you, through thick and thin.
living on a prayer cause
I am relying on faith and prayer to keep our relationship strong and thriving.
I'll be wonderful
As long as we are together, I will always strive to be the best version of myself (wonderful).
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kayla Knapp
Not only is his voice wonderful, the music is fantastic. Love the variety of instruments.
William Fever
It's a good record. Surprisingly, very Britpop sounding, and a lot of sunshine pop vibes, which is not my favorite genre, but his guitar playing and great vocals make up for it.
starryempress
I kinda love the fact that he worked "champagne supernova" AND "living on a prayer" into the same song. Props.
Rachel Burton
Mark plays a mean guitar. The Descent is such a soulful song. I know I'll always get a glimpse into his true feelings as he's too real of an artist to be ingenuous. You can't say that about many artists; even of those few, they aren't genuine all the time. Illusions' rhythms are unforgettable, they keep drawing me back to the song. The Descent is melancholy and real, a very personal struggle with his past and moving on from where he's been. I'm buying his album out of pure respect.
Amanda Lee
That is an awesome song!! Mark is so very talented.
L
He's so amazing. God, I love this guy so much (:
brandi frazier
i love his voice. :)
bmo100
This guys CD is really awesome.
seeWhitelight
<3 no words to describe feelings.......
Emma Rutan
mark wayne salling, if i could i would lock youu in my closet<3