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Mark Wills

Have a chat with Mark Wills for a few minutes, and he's likely to discuss the passions of his life - his music, his family, the recent album, the live concerts, his GAC show "The Year," finding great songs and of course the social causes that he pours himself into.
Wills has numerous hits under his belt already - "Jacob's Ladder," "Don't Laugh At Me," "I Do (Cherish You)" and his seven-week number one smash, "19 Something," to name just a few. In addition, he has sold millions of albums. However, he's not even close to being finished. With his new record deal on Tenacity Records and his latest album, Familiar Stranger, currently in stores, his mission is pretty clear: "I just want to be back in the game, a viable artist," says Wills.
He's certainly in the game - produced by studio-master and songwriter Brett James, the album flows like a river, showing all sides of Mark's versatility and range - from beautiful, soulful ballads, like "The Likes of You," to the crank-it-up high energy evident on "Rednecks Anonymous." "My goal was for this album to sound like a bunch of great musicians playing live. To be completely honest, I don't think a lot of country artists capture that," says Wills. "I think with Brett's help we succeeded. I worked on this record for two years and I am really proud of it. I wanted it to sound like everything from Harry Connick Jr. to Aerosmith, and I think there's something for all the fans - from the rockin' stuff to the ballads."
Familiar Stranger reflects a happy marriage between traditional country and bona fide rock. The album is a compilation of all the musical facets that Wills has been harboring and nurturing since he first aspired to be a singer. Anyone who has ever seen him in concert, or spoken with him for more than a few minutes about music, knowsthat inside this wonderful, humble, delightful, good ol' boy, country singer dwells a soul that could rock the socks off Metallica if he had the urge to do so. This project brilliantly blends his two music personas with flawless panache, but luckily for all the die-hard country fans, Wills is successful in remaining true to his country heart. He delivers music with a refreshing and energetic edge that guarantees that music lovers of every genre will remain throughly entertained from first cut to last.
It's really telling about the kind of soul Mark is by paying attention not only to his music, but to what he doesn't talk and sing about. He lights up when you ask about his trips overseas to entertain the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's taken over 6 trips total with the most recent over the holiday season to perform for our fighting men and women of the Armed Forces. He feels it's his duty to our country to do what he can for those who sacrifice, even if it means taking time away from his own wife and two daughters, Mally and Macey.
It would seem that Mark doesn't brag about his community service work because he thinks it's a responsibility we share as Americans. "First of all, it's a privilege to provide a little joy and entertainment for these people. The first time I went, it was a life-changing experience," says Wills. "The freedom that we have is not something that I take for granted and it's an honor to be able to go over and play for these people - they're literally giving their lives for us. And maybe by playing a show for them, you can take their mind off all of the bad stuff and danger, even if it's just for a little while."
Supporting the troops is just one of the many 'causes,' Mark Wills dedicates his time and effort to. He is also deeply involved in the Taser Foundation (www.taserfoundation.org), an organization that raises awareness and funds for the families of police officers killed in the line of duty. "It is a first-class organization because all of the money raised goes to families of these officers. I am really honored to be involved," remarks Wills, who also sits on the board of the foundation.
When you hear Mark beaming about his own daughters, it's pretty obvious that a guy this giving would be associated with the Children's Miracle Network. When fans pick up a copy of his latest CD, Familiar Stranger, a percentage of the profits are automatically donated to CMN. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to personally get involved through several promotions tied into the CD. "It's such a great thing since all of the money you contribute goes to hospitals in your area - to help children close to you. I am very proud to be a friend to the Children's Miracle Network."
So how does a guy involved in all of these organizations as well as raising a family have time for a musical career? And we haven't even mentioned his show on GAC yet! As mentioned, Mark Wills is first and foremost an artist, especially a singer, but doing a show like "The Year," (inspired by his seven-week #1 song "19 Something"), portrays a different aspect of his personality. "I really love doing the show," says Mark. "In my opinion it enhances my musical career."
Mark is one of these people whose appetite for life surpasses what most people can only dream of - there are so many things that this guy has going on, it's almost exhausting just hearing about it - let alone living it! However, more than anything else Mark Wills is an 'artist.' And beyond that - a great singer. And when the book is written 20 or 30 years from now, how does Mark want to be remembered? Well, not by how many albums he sold... or how long his hits stayed at number one. Mark says it very clearly and simply. It's all about the voice. "I don't really care about the numbers game," he says. I just want to be remembered as a great singer - someone who sang great songs."
This summer Mark Wills will hit the road with his cohorts Trent Willmon and Jeff Bates on the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party. And there is a lot more to come from Mark Wills, so stay tuned!
Written By: Jim Asker

Latest bulletin 10.30.09

Mark wants YOU to make his next video!

Mark Wills Invites Fans to Make Video for Signature Concert Song "Crazy White Boy"

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Mark Wills Invites Fans to Make Video for Signature Concert Song "Crazy White Boy"

Chris Brackett, Star of Sportsman Channel's Smash Hit "Arrow Affliction," to Star in Video

For Mark's next single, "Crazy White Boy," he is asking his fans not only to give their input, but to put themselves both behind and in front of the camera.

"'Crazy White Boy' is my theme song and is a favorite of our fans every time we play a concert," Mark explains. "Often, after shows, fans will come up to me not only telling us how much they love the song but how the song is also their personal theme song. They then proceed to tell us these funny and unbelievable stories of the crazy things they and their friends do while listening to our music." It was during one of these meetings that the idea of having a fan make his video came about. "I thought that these stories portrayed the fun and true spirit of the song more than anything we could imagine. So, why not give our fans a chance to show us just how crazy they are? And then give the fans a chance to vote on their favorite video submissions."

To ensure that he reaches the most fans and to encourage ideas from everyone, Mark is taking his contest to the Internet through his official website and social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and of course, YouTube. "These are the perfect channels for reaching the most fans and for getting the best ideas, especially YouTube. I often watch YouTube and believe that I am looking at the video directors of tomorrow. The ideas are so fresh and impact is immediate. What better place to reach the best creative minds of today and tomorrow than YouTube and the social networking sites?" explained Mark.

And the results are sure to be immediate. Mark has created a special web page where you can not only submit and view the video entries, but also cast your vote on which videos should be the winners. Mark is also excited about the voting process. "Voting is immediate and in real-time. Fans can see which video is in the lead at any time. It's easy for everyone to get their families and friends involved in the voting and picking the winners selected to be included my next video." These winning clips will be included along with footage shot with Mark and Chris Brackett, star of Sportsman Channel's top rated show, "Arrow Affliction."

You can visit the Crazy White Boy contest site for more details, contest rules and a link to the online submission form. Winners will have their video played on Mark's websites and will receive a special Mark Wills prize package and a congratulatory call from Mark.

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"Crazy White Boy" footage Aug 26

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Oct 30, 03:03 PM

Mark wants YOU to make his next video!

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Mark Wills Invites Fans to Make Video for Signature Concert Song "Crazy White Boy"
Chris Brackett, Star of Sportsman Channel's Smash Hit "Arrow Affliction," to Star in Video

For Mark's next single, "Crazy White Boy," he is asking his fans not only to give their input, but to put themselves both behind and in front of the camera.
"'Crazy White Boy' is my theme song and is a favorite of our fans every time we play a concert," Mark explains. "Often, after shows, fans will come up to me not only telling us how much they love the song but how the song is also their personal theme song. They then proceed to tell us these funny and unbelievable stories of the crazy things they and their friends do while listening to our music." It was during one of these meetings that the idea of having a fan make his video came about. "I thought that these stories portrayed the fun and true spirit of the song more than anything we could imagine. So, why not give our fans a chance to show us just how crazy they are? And then give the fans a chance to vote on their favorite video submissions."
To ensure that he reaches the most fans and to encourage ideas from everyone, Mark is taking his contest to the Internet through his official website and social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and of course, YouTube. "These are the perfect channels for reaching the most fans and for getting the best ideas, especially YouTube. I often watch YouTube and believe that I am looking at the video directors of tomorrow. The ideas are so fresh and impact is immediate. What better place to reach the best creative minds of today and tomorrow than YouTube and the social networking sites?" explained Mark.
And the results are sure to be immediate. Mark has created a special web page where you can not only submit and view the video entries, but also cast your vote on which videos should be the winners. Mark is also excited about the voting process. "Voting is immediate and in real-time. Fans can see which video is in the lead at any time. It's easy for everyone to get their families and friends involved in the voting and picking the winners selected to be included my next video." These winning clips will be included along with footage shot with Mark and Chris Brackett, star of Sportsman Channel's top rated show, "Arrow Affliction."
You can visit the Crazy White Boy contest site for more details, contest rules and a link to the online submission form. Winners will have their video played on Mark's websites and will receive a special Mark Wills prize package and a congratulatory call from Mark.
May 28, 03:42 PM

Mark Wills at CMA Music Festival

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Where to find Mark at the CMA Music Festival?
June 10, 2009 - June 14, 2009
As many of you may know, CMA Music Festival in Nashville is a great chance for fans to catch up with their favorite artists at many different activities around town. Well this year is no different and there are plenty of opportunities for you to catch up with Mark Wills! He will be doing several autographs booths at the convention center, strutting down the runway at the Country Weekly Fashion Show, playing softball for charity, performing at Riverstages with the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party and even holding his very own Friends Party at the Hard Rock Café. Details with dates and times are listed below.
WEDNESDAY - JUNE 10
7:00am - 2nd Annual GAC Kick-Off Breakfast
Location: Country Music Hall Of Fame
Tickets: www.countrymusichalloffame.com
11:00am - Country Weekly Fashion Show & Concert
Location: Wildhorse Saloon (120 2nd Avenue North)
General Seating: Ticketmaster
VIP Tickets: www.countryweekly.com/fashionshow
7:00pm - 19th Annual Celebrity Softball Challenge
Location: Greer Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
THURSDAY - JUNE 11
10:00am - Chevy Autograph Booth
Location: Nashville Convention Center / Exhibit Hall
12:30pm - Celebrity Total Outdoorsman Challenge
Location: Fort Nashboro (1st Avenue North at Church St)

FRIDAY - JUNE 12
7:30am - Mark Wills Friends Party
Location: Hard Rock Café Nashville (2nd Ave & Broadway)
12:00pm - GAC Autograph Booth
Location: Nashville Convention Center / Exhibit Hall
2:00pm - Honky Tonk Tailgate Party Riverstages performance
Location: Riverfront Park
4:00pm - Grand Ole Opry Autograph Booth
Location: Nashville Convention Center / Exhibit Hall
May 01, 10:25 AM

2009 Mark Wills Friends Party

IT’S OFFICIAL
THE 2009 MARK WILLS FRIENDS PARTY ANNOUNCED!

Here’s your chance to hang out with Mark Wills during this year’s CMA Music Festival. Once again, Mark will be all around town during CMA week but this is the one and only chance for an up close and personal experience. This year’s party is open to everyone! Details are below. Don’t wait too long as tickets are selling quickly and will sell out!

DATE: Friday, June 12, 2009
TIME: Doors open @ 7:30am
LOCATION: Hard Rock Café Nashville (corner of Broadway and 2nd Avenue)
TICKETS: $15.00 in advance online / $20.00 at the door (limited tickets)
INCLUDES: breakfast buffet, intimate acoustic performance, autograph signing, exclusive laminate AND 1 free copy of Mark’s new CD, “2nd Time Around”

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO
Mar 02, 09:45 AM

Mark Wills announces his new Honky Tonk Tailgate Party line-up!

The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party, headed up by Mark Wills, kicks off in Dallas, TX on April 17, at the world's most famous honky tonk, Gilley's. Wills has invited Trent Willmon to return and is thrilled to add Jeff Bates to the show.
"I am so excited to get back on the road and start performing with my buds again," says Wills. "The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party really is a party on stage and I just enjoy sharing it with some good guys. I was happy when Trent agreed to come back on the road and then to add in Jeff Bates makes it ever cooler."
Keep an eye out right here on iLike for dates and venues!
The ninety-minute party is a fast paced show with one band and no set changes. Wills, Willmon and Bates will each play their most popular hits and close the show by performing a memorable ensemble finale together.
Nov 18 2008, 02:52 PM

Vote every day for Mark right here - www.gactv.com/top50

Vote NOW for Mark Wills' "The Things We Forget" video to be in GAC's Top 50 videos of 2008! You can vote every day!

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Mark Wills

Latest bulletin 10.30.09

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