Blues Harpist Mark Sallings, R.I.P.

Blues Harpist Mark Sallings, R.I.P.
Reverend Keith A. Gordon

Arkansas blues harpist Mark Sallings tragically died in a two-vehicle accident on February 25, 2009 while driving to a casino gig in Tunica, Mississippi. Born near Helena, Arkansas, 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. He was just 56 years old at the time of his death.

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 will be missed by his many fans, both at home and overseas.