Marc Cohn Biography

Marc Craig Cohn was born on July 5, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, to a Jewish family. Growing up in the 1970s, Cohn was heavily influenced by notable singers such as Van Morrison, Jackson Browne, and Joni Mitchell. He began showing musical talent at a young age, mastering the piano and vocals. By middle school, he was actively performing with a local cover band, and his passion for music continued to flourish as he transitioned to Oberlin College, where he further developed his craft.

Cohn later transferred to UCLA, where he began performing in coffeehouses around Los Angeles. His musical journey took a significant turn when he moved to New York and formed the band Supreme Court, which garnered attention in the local music scene. Soon after, he sent a solo demo to Atlantic Records, leading to a record deal that would launch his solo career. In February 1991, Marc Cohn released his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, which featured the hit single “Walking in Memphis.” This autobiographical song not only became his signature tune but also earned him a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

The debut album was a commercial success, reaching platinum status by 1996 and featuring popular tracks like “Silver Thunderbird” and “True Companion.” The success of "Walking in Memphis" brought Cohn additional recognition, with nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards. Notably, it peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Cohn’s only entry into the Top 40.

Following his debut, Cohn released a series of successful albums, including "The Rainy Season" (1993), which featured collaborations with prominent artists such as David Crosby and Graham Nash. His next album, "Burning the Daze," came out in 1998 and was followed by a compilation album, "The Very Best of Marc Cohn," in June 2006. In 2007, he released "Join the Parade," which included the poignant track "Dance Back from the Grave," reflecting on his experiences related to Hurricane Katrina and the trauma he faced after a near-fatal carjacking in 2005.

In 2010, Cohn showcased his versatility with "Listening Booth: 1970," a collection of cover songs from that iconic year, which peaked at number 28 on the Billboard 200. The album featured a variety of artists and showcased Cohn's ability to cross genres from rock to soul and folk. He returned to original songwriting in 2014 with “The Coldest Corner in the World,” a title track for the documentary "Tree Man." In celebration of the 25th anniversary of his debut album, he released "Careful What You Dream: Lost Songs and Rarities" in 2016, alongside a bonus album filled with unreleased demos.

Marc Cohn's contributions to music extend beyond his solo work. In 2017, he co-wrote several tracks for William Bell's Grammy Award-winning album "This Is Where I Live," as well as collaborating with the Blind Boys of Alabama on their Grammy-nominated song "Let My Mother Live." Cohn continues to be active in the music scene, performing at prestigious events, including Carnegie Hall's "The Music of Van Morrison" show in 2019, and collaborating with artists like Miley Cyrus during the "Memphis in May Festival." As a talented singer-songwriter with a rich discography, Cohn remains a respected and influential figure in contemporary music.