Marc Cohn, the Ohio-bred songwriter known for his soulful voice and folk-infused piano pop sound, rose to fame in early 1991 with his hit single “Walking in Memphis.” This heartfelt tribute to the Delta blues not only climbed to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also garnered him three Grammy nominations, winning one. Despite his sporadic releases, Cohn’s music, blending introspective pop with elements of Americana, R&B, folk, and blues, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its purposeful craft.
Growing up in Cleveland, Marc Cohn was influenced by legendary singer-songwriters like Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, and Jackson Browne. His passion for heartfelt songwriting and classic soul led him to join a cover band, Doanbrook Hotel, during high school. While studying at Oberlin College and later UCLA, Cohn honed his musical skills, teaching himself to play piano and venturing into the Los Angeles music scene. His journey towards musical success included forming the Supreme Court in New York and eventually releasing his eponymous debut album in 1991, which included the iconic “Walking in Memphis.” Cohn’s resilience was tested when he survived a traumatic shooting, leading to his acclaimed album Join the Parade in 2007 and a series of successful collaborations with music icons like David Crosby, William Bell, and the Blind Boys of Alabama, culminating in the 2019 album Work to Do.