MARK MANNING IS A
SINGER / SONGWRITER
BASED IN NASHVILLE, TN
As an eclectic singer and artist, Mark Manning is extremely passionate about bringing together the old and new eras of music. Throughout his formative years of living in Long Island, New York, Mark grew to develop an immensely deep appreciation for gospel, jazz, and soul music. Also while on Long Island, Mark participated in many theatrical productions. Using this experience, he strives to carry over what he learned about drama to his presence onstage.
Early in life, Mark’s parents only exposed him to gospel music. While Mark credits that genre for giving him his musicality, Mark wasn’t excited about music until he discovered Beyoncé, who would change his life forever. Ignited by this newfound, secular style and different way to express emotion, Mark knew then he wanted to do music forever. Throughout his life, Mark has been influenced by artists like John Legend, Daniel Caesar, Jazmine Sullivan, Kirk Franklin and Moses Sumney; all of whom would collectively inspire him to create his own unique fusion of pop and soul. Ever-fascinated with the way that artists like John Legend and Moses Sumney sang and played instruments, Mark began to take his piano and guitar playing seriously, eventually growing into the powerhouse performer that he is today.
In addition to being a performer, Mark is also a deep and passionate songwriter who draws upon his own feelings and experiences to create music that is both genuine and unique. Being an openly queer Black man is a very unique experience and through his music, Mark brings us into his world, painting vivid stories and scenes with his lyrics and vocal arrangements.
These days, Mark is based in Nashville but still cuts his teeth live with his backing band, "The Sexy Bitches," who back him up with a powerful combination of guitar, bass, piano, drums, saxophone, and backing vocals. Mark Manning and T.S.B. can be seen performing in Tennessee and Upstate New York.