Mark Murphy (singer)
American jazz singer known for vocal improvisation and Down Beat awards.
Mark Murphy (March 14, 1932 – October 22, 2015) was an American jazz singer who worked in New York City, Los Angeles, London, and San Francisco at different points in his life. He put out 51 albums under his own name over his career and was best known for his inventive vocal improvisations. He won the Down Beat magazine readers' jazz poll for Best Male Vocalist in 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2001, and was nominated five times for a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Jazz Performance. He also wrote lyrics for the jazz tune "Stolen Moments" and was known for his interpretations of songs like "Red Clay," though the lyrics for that piece were written by Jon Hendricks.
- born
- March 14, 1932, Syracuse, New York
- died
- October 22, 2015, Englewood, New Jersey
- field
- Jazz singer
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Innovative vocal improvisations, Down Beat Best Male Vocalist awards, Grammy nominations
Lore & Background
Mark Murphy was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1932 and raised in Fulton, New York, in a musical family; his parents met when his father became director of the local Methodist Church choir, and his grandmother and aunt served as church organists. He began piano lessons at seven and in his teens sang and played piano in his brother Dwight's jazz dance band, influenced by Peggy Lee, Nat 'King' Cole, June Christy, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, and Art Tatum. After graduating from Syracuse University in 1953 with a major in Music and Drama, he was spotted by Sammy Davis Jr., who invited him to perform a guest spot and connected him with TV host Steve Allen. Murphy moved to New York City in 1954, taking part-time jobs while seeking acting and singing work, appearing in Gilbert and Sullivan
Reader's Guide
Mark Murphy's significance lies in his sustained career as a vocal jazz innovator, recording 51 albums as a leader and earning multiple Down Beat readers' poll awards and Grammy nominations. His work bridged traditional jazz with bop, Latin, and later acid jazz and hip-hop influences, notably through collaborations with the band UFO and appearances on compilations that reached younger audiences. Murphy's lyrical contributions to instrumental jazz standards like 'Stolen Moments' and 'Red Clay' added a personal dimension to his repertoire. His time in London and extensive European touring helped cultivate an international following, and his recordings on the Muse label, including the Kerouac-inspired albums, are considered highlights. The 2009 'Words and Music Award' from the Jazz Foundation of America and Jazz Journalists Association recognized his impact. Murphy's legacy is that of a versatile, enduring vocalist who adapted to changing musical trends while maintaining a distinctive improvisational style.
Did You Know?
- Murphy wrote lyrics to the jazz tunes 'Stolen Moments' and 'Red Clay'.
- He was voted New Star of the Year in Down Beat Magazine's Reader's Poll in 1963.
- Murphy appeared as a singer in the 1967 British comedy film Just Like a Woman.
- He was the first recipient of the 'Words and Music Award' presented by the Jazz Foundation of America with the Jazz Journalists Association in 2009.
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