Mark Spoelstra

Mark Spoelstra passed away earlier today at the age of 66. Mark had been suffering back pain that was mis-diagnosed as originating from years of guitar playing. It was discovered last week that Mark actually had cancer, which spread quickly from his pancreas to his liver and lungs. He passed away this morning at his home in the Sierra foothills of California, with his family gathered around him.

While growing up in California, Mark began taking guitar lessons at the age of 11. As his skills increased, Mark began taking professional gigs and was soon caught up in the early events of the folk revival era. After spending some time soaking up the scene in Berkeley, Mark headed east where he ended up in New York City in 1963 with a record contract for Folkways Records. He became a favorite on the folk scene performing at clubs, coffeehouses and festivals. In time he would record four albums for Elektra and two more for Fantasy.

Mark was a close friend of Bob Dylan’s during those early years of the folk revival. Dylan and Spoelstra occasionally performed as a duo. Mark appeared in the documentary Martin Scorsese’s documentary of Dylan, “No Direction Home“, discussing the Village days.

Mark’s songs were also covered by other artists, including Janis Joplin who sang “Magic of Love” with Big Brother and the Holding Company and Harry Belafonte who sang “My Love is Like a Dewdrop”.

In 1965 Mark left the music world to complete his military obligations. He returned to a changed scene in 1969. He recorded a solo album for Columbia Records that failed to take off, and Mark would soon grow weary of the lifestyle. With a growing family to support, Mark turned to religion and joined the Peninsula Bible Church, in Palo Alto, CA where he would become a minster of music. In 1976 he released an album of gospel tunes, which would be his last release before a “comeback” in 2001.

Between 1976 and 2001 Mark held a variety of job, including driving a tour bus. Music was still part of his life and in 2001 he went back to the studio to record his final album “Out of My Hands“.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark when “Out of My Hands” was released and he spoke freely of his long career and association with folk music. In his honor, I will be rebroadcasting the interview this Sunday March 4 on Traditions (3 to 6pm on WFDU-FM).

My condolences to Mark’s family and friends. Mark was a brilliant musician and a talented songwriter. His music deserved a wider audience, and those who were fans kept his music for life. He will be missed and his accomplishments will be cherished.