Mark Bishop has been sharing his music with audiences and Southern Gospel Music fans for nearly twenty years. His musical roots trace back to summer evenings spent gathered on the front porch with the family, sharing the days events and whiling away the hours singing song after song. It was during these idyllic evening gatherings that Mark and his family began forming the musical foundation that would one day bring them to the forefront of Southern Gospel Music.
Heeding the special calling that God had placed on their lives, Mark, Kenny, and Kenneth began singing as The Bishops, introducing "front porch singing" to gospel music lovers everywhere. "As far as the popularity of our group, I think that folks were really able to relate to a family gathering together in the evenings, singing harmony on the front porch," shares Mark. "It was sincere, honest music and the presentation was just casual enough that folks felt at home listening to us."
During their career, The Bishops enjoyed enormous success, recording twenty-five recordings that produced twenty-seven Top 40 songs, including twelve Top 5 songs and three Number 1 songs. The Bishops also received numerous awards and recognition from the fans and their peers in Southern Gospel Music. Much of The Bishops distinctive sound could be attributed to the instantly recognizable voice of Mark Bishop.
In time, Mark developed into one of the most promising and noticed songwriters in Southern Gospel music. He has written nine Top 10 songs including; REACH THE WORLD; WHEN JESUS IS ALL THAT I HAVE; FOR EVERY CROSS THERE IS A CROWN; GREAT THINGS; WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND; and 1997's Southern Gospel Songwriters Association Song of the Year, YOU CAN'T ASK TOO MUCH OF MY GOD. The Bishops, Amy Lambert, The Kingsmen, Allison Durham Speer and many others have recorded Mark Bishop songs. Church choirs across America have performed his songs. Music by Mark Bishop has also been performed on TV programs such as "IN TOUCH WITH CHARLES STANLEY", "THE WORD TODAY WITH JOHN HAGEE", "THE GRAND OLE OPRY", and "THE GAITHER HOMECOMING" series.
In addition to his singing and songwriting abilities, Mark has also been recognized as a skillful producer. His creative touch can be recognized on The Bishops recordings. In 2000 The Gospel Music Association with a Dove Award honored Mark for producing the Best Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year - KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS recorded by The Bishops.
Upon the retirement of The Bishops in 2001, Mark was encouraged by friends, family and his peers to continue to use the gifts and talents that God has given him. After much thought, prayer, and counsel, Mark began a new chapter in his life and launched a solo career. "I had always sung with my family, but even as the group disbanded, I knew that God had a plan in my life that included music. My love for writing and performing gospel music is still very alive and vibrant. Sharing the love of God with audiences through song, laughter, tears and testimony is something that is familiar to me. I love this music...I love these people...and as long as God allows me to, I'm pressing on."
When not performing, Mark can be found at home in Irvine, Kentucky with his wife Carolyn and their daughters Courtney and Haley. Mark is also an active member of his home church, The Waco Church of the Nazarene, where he serves on the church board and as Sunday school treasurer.
A concert with Mark Bishop is indeed an uplifting event. His voice is instantly recognizable and familiar to fans of gospel music everywhere. His beautifully crafted songs are encouraging and insightful. His presentation is multi-faceted, endearing, and has something for everyone.
