Marc Stone

Biography

Marc Stone is a New York City-born guitarist, singer, songwriter, radio DJ, and music journalist who has become a prominent figure in the New Orleans music scene. Born in 1970, Stone began performing in blues clubs at age seventeen, sharing stages early on with New York blues luminaries such as Johnny Allen, Jerry Dugger, Bill Sims, and members of the Holmes Brothers. In the early 1990s, he hosted the Eclectic Acoustic Jam in Greenwich Village, which attracted emerging talents like Dave Matthews and Alana Davis.

In 1993, Stone relocated to New Orleans, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant musical culture and steadily built his reputation from street performances in the French Quarter to becoming one of the city’s most respected blues and roots artists. He has performed solo, with his own Marc Stone Band, and as a sought-after collaborator and sideman for numerous Louisiana legends, including C.J. Chenier, Eddie Bo, Marva Wright, Terrance Simien, Ernie K-Doe, and Allen Toussaint. Stone’s style is a dynamic blend of blues, soul, rock, Americana, and New Orleans funk, often featuring lap steel and slide guitar, and is known for both his original songwriting and his ability to channel the city’s musical traditions.

Beyond performing, Stone is a producer and musical director, notably for the Louisiana Blues Throwdown series and benefit concerts such as 'A Change is Gonna Come.' He is also the host of the 'Soul Serenade' program on WWOZ 90.7 FM, where he showcases classic American roots music and interviews with legendary and emerging artists. Stone’s discography includes six albums, with recent works like 'Shining Like a Diamond' and 'Live at Tipitina’s' earning critical acclaim and award nominations. His legacy is marked by his role in revitalizing and preserving New Orleans roots music, as well as his global touring and collaborations.

Fun Facts

• Marc Stone is also a respected radio DJ, hosting the 'Soul Serenade' on WWOZ 90.7 FM, where he features classic and contemporary roots music.
• He produced and directed the Louisiana Blues Throwdown, a collaborative project bringing together top local and national roots artists for unique live shows.
• Stone’s early New York jam sessions in the 1990s featured future stars like Dave Matthews before they rose to fame.
• He was nominated for Best Emerging Blues Artist at the 2005 Best of The Beat Awards in New Orleans and for Best Blues Artist and Album in 2020 by Offbeat Magazine and Gambit Weekly.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Johnny Allen - Early blues mentor and stage collaborator in New York clubs (Live performances) [Late 1980s]
• Jerry Dugger - Early influence and collaborator in New York blues scene (Live performances) [Late 1980s]
• Bill Sims - Influence and collaborator during formative years in New York (Live performances) [Late 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• C.J. Chenier - Performed and recorded together in New Orleans (Live shows, studio sessions) [1990s–present]
• Eddie Bo - Frequent collaborator in live and studio settings (Live performances, recording sessions) [1990s–2000s]
• Marva Wright - Collaborated on stage and in studio (Live performances) [1990s–2000s]
• Terrance Simien - Collaborator in benefit concerts and New Orleans projects (A Change is Gonna Come benefit, live shows) [2000s]
• John Mooney - Slide guitar duo performances and collaborations (Live shows, festival appearances) [2016–present]
• George Porter Trio - Featured on album track 'Love is Everything' (Shining Like a Diamond (album)) [2020]
• Joy Clark - Featured on album track 'Love is Everything' (Shining Like a Diamond (album)) [2020]
• Campbell Brothers - Collaborated for benefit concerts and live performances (A Change is Gonna Come benefit, live shows) [2006–2007]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging New Orleans roots musicians - Mentorship and inspiration through collaborations, radio, and live projects (Louisiana Blues Throwdown, Soul Serenade radio program) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Humble - Remix (Trapping A Sport)
2. A Hunnid (Lonely Road)
3. Windit (Lonely Road)
4. Bowls & Bells (TURNT THEN A BIH)
5. Story (PAROXETINE)
6. HOURS (The Come Up!, Vol. 1)
7. Sweet Lovin (The Come Up!, Vol. 1)
8. HIGH SCHOOL (The Come Up!, Vol. 1)
9. The Underdogs (The Come Up!, Vol. 1)
10. Wake Me Up (The Come Up!, Vol. 1)

External Links

• Spotify