Artist of the Week-Mark LaForme
Mark LaForme was born in Hagersville, Ontario in 1954 and grew up on the Mississauga of the New Credit Indian Reserve. Mark began playing guitar at the age of 11 and his early influences were Hank Williams, Ray Charles, and the Rolling Stones. Mark played in local bands with his brother Dave General who is now Chief Dave General of the Six Nations Reserve and Graham Greene, the native actor.
In 1974, Mark started “Next” with ex-Crowbar member Roly Greenway. In 1975, he then signed with Columbia Records, which produced 3 singles. Mark toured with various show bands in the late 70′s and in 1982 started to sing and record country music. In 1985 he signed with RCA for 3 singles in the country market. He played the country bar circuit until 2005. During that time, he toured twice with Stompin’ Tom Connors and released an album on Stompin’ Tom A.C.T. label with singles distributed by E.M.I.
Through the years, Mark has also released singles and albums on Roto Noto label, which is owned and operated by his good friend Randall Cousins. Together, along with the help of Dave King and many other friends, Randall and Mark have just released a new CD simply called “Vintage” on Randall’s new label “Alleged-Iguana”.
Love your music!
Would you give me permission to sing “Do What You Gotta Do”, “Too True Mama” and “Making It Easy” when I sing at open-mics and “live-band sing-a-longs” in Hamilton?
Thank you!
Patricia Grace
October 21, 2010 at 10:50 am
Way to go Mark!!!!! Keep it up man .Hope to see you again sometime soon.
October 23, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I really love your singing. Sure would like to see you play live.
October 21, 2011 at 11:11 am
Hey there Mark. I am so proud to see a member of the rez so successful. I am starting a youth council on new credit sure could use your encouragement on our side to pump up the youth to follow their dreams and let em know it is okay to have vision for the present and future. Get a hold of me at the band office. maybe we can treat the youth to your story and talent. keep up the awesome work
November 24, 2011 at 11:28 am
I’ve come up for air Mark, would love to speak with you.
John Lewis
February 8, 2012 at 4:04 pm