MARK DEREK

Mark Derek has opened for a number of well-established names in entertainment – performed to a myriad of audiences in the UK – guested in Ireland, Malta and the USA – played just about every type of venue from clubs to hotels, holiday parks to public houses, festivals to theatres – and his songs were once regular plays on regional BBC Radio stations. Furthermore, he has been in the company of - and brushed shoulders with - an endless list of country music icons, including a personal hero, the ‘Man in Black’ Johnny Cash. Mark has also presented live shows and dabbled in 'radio' and, as a music journalist, he has contributed to various publications, interviewed high profile artists and reviewed many prominent shows including; the UK Country Radio Awards held at ‘Lakeside’ Frimley Green, BBC Radio 2’s Country Festival, and The Daniel O’Donnell Show on four occasions at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

No stranger to the ‘world of entertainment’, Mark drew musical influence from his father, Jon Derek – one of Britain’s most admired country vocalists and entertainers. 

Born in Hammersmith, west London and raised in nearby Ealing, Mark is a former music journalist and professional singer. Known for his keen and vibrant association with country music, Mark is a Historian in this genre of music – specialising in the Traditional & Neo-traditional styles. 

For many years, Mark’s father – former Decca recording artist Jon Derek together with his renowned band ‘Country Fever’ were one of the finest and most sought-after British country music groups. As a young boy, Mark recalls, "I was impressed by the sounds of live music, the bright lights and my father’s popularity. I was literally born into music - it was all around me. My father was nearing the peak of his career when I came along. I remember band equipment in the hallway, stacks of records in the lounge, my father’s home studio and musicians coming and going. I was inspired by what I saw and amazed by what I heard. I think it was inevitable that one day the world of entertainment would play a major role in my life.”