Mark Weigle • All That Matters

I have never made any attempt to hide just how much of a fan I am of the talents of Mark Weigle, and how I remain truly sad I never had the opportunity to see him performing live. I have all six of his full-length albums in my collection, and still listen on a regular basis. While I still long for more music from Weigle, I understand he 'retired' from the music business in 2007. He moved on for he was unable to support himself making music, a statement I have heard from several artists over the years, including some incredibly talented individuals.

In 2000, Weigle released his second album, 'All That Matters'. It is a wonderful collection of songs with several strong influences from Folk, Rock, Pop, and Country. The first song, "A Good Day", had Country-Fried Rock flavors that are had to miss. So is the joy, and the wonder of fresh love. Mark wrote the music and lyrics, and clearly expressed something heartfelt. I remember playing it for the first time, and just allowing the song and the emotions to wash over me, making my day that much brighter. This is Mark Weigle's recording of "A Good Day".

Like the rest of the album, the title cut was also written by Weigle. It starts off so simply, so beautifully, the rich acoustic sound of a great Folk tale being told. Between the guitar and the richness of Mark's voice, I find it impossible not to listen to what he has to say. And yes, there is a wonderful honesty to the song, one that draws you in even more. This is Mark Weigle singing "All That Matters".

If I am going to showcase some of the great songs written and recorded by Mark Weigle, I couldn't leave off the tribute to one of the founders of the Mattachine Society. Founded in 1950, Mattachine was one of the earliest groups formed to promote the rights of homosexuals. This obviously inspired Mark, who wrote "Harry Hay Song" and included it on the 2007 album, 'Mark Weigle'. The song wrote using Hay's voice, utilizing the bravery, the strength, the love, and the righteousness of the man. For the video, I used images of the cover of the album, as well as images of Harry Hay I found on the web. This is Mark Weigle singing "Harry Hay Song".

To learn more about Mark Weigle, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook. To purchase Mark's 2001 album 'All That Matters', it is available on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. For his 2007 album 'Mark Weigle', you can find it on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. Both albums are exceptional, and a valued part of my music collection.

Mark Weigle • I Confess and Others

From the photo shoot for the album cover, 'Different and the Same'.

I am just in the mood to revisit some music I dearly love, and an artist I respect so much but hardly get the chance to talk about any more. I speak of Mark Weigle, an amazingly talented singer/songwriter, who retired from the music business in 2007, after releasing six great albums since his 1998 debut. His is the music that makes me happy, touches my heart, brings a tear to my eye, and yearn for love, sometimes all in the same song. There is a wonderful richness to his voice, the tone remarkable. He made music that was not always easy to categorize, often blurring the lines between Folk, Country, and Pop. Whenever I start listening to him, I tell myself it has been too long, no matter how long it has been. His voice wraps me in a warm embrace, and his honesty reminds me to live my life not quite as safely as I might want to, so I can strive to live life as open as I can.

Mark Weigle with JD Doyle at a rodeo in Texas.

I think I first discovered Mark's music through JD Doyle and his Queer Music Heritage website. JD has long been a a curator of sorts, for the music of LGBT artists. I've discovered many through him, as was the case with Weigle. I can't remember exactly when I discovered the music, but I do remember being hooked instantly, and purchasing all the music I could on iTunes. Soon, I was eagerly awaiting the next release, more music to enjoy. I was addicted, and couldn't shake it. As I am at a loss for words as I try to explain how his music makes me feel, I sahll let Mark himself do the talking. Man, I just love his 1998 debut album, 'The Truth Is'. There is plenty to love, from his beautiful "Two Cowboy Waltz" to the breathtaking "Take Your Shoulder From The Wheel", and the stunning "I Confess". There is an honesty to his song, and a truly touching nature. On this song, Mark smooths over the distinctions of Folk and Country to create this gem. This is "I Confess".

Fast forward five years, and we find Mark releasing his third studio album, 'Out of the Loop'. On that album, Mark did a posthumous duet the Steve Grossman on the late singer/songwriters wonderful song, "Out". You could also find his delicious homage to sexy men in "Bears", as well as the touching "Blue Eyes To Brown Eyes". But I chose to share with you a bold and beautiful Country song, "In the Last 5 Minutes", the first track off the 2002 album. This is a song that just does my heart good.

The following year, Weigle released another album. 'Different and the Same' had a slightly different sound for Weigle, incorporating more of a Pop flavor than the three that came before it. The album featured several covers, like "867-5309/Jenny", the fun song by Tommy Tutone. Only Weigle adapted it to be "867-5309/Jimmy". And his take on the iconic song from the Jackson 5, "ABC", and it became "AZT", a song featuring the daily schedule of an HIV positive person. He also did a brilliant cover of "Love Song to a Stranger", written by the great Joan Baez. But toady, I decided to offer you his version of "A Different Kind of Gone", a song written by the gifted Mary Gauthier.

The album 'The Truth Is' can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. The album 'Out Of The Loop' can also be found on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. The album 'Different and the Same' can also be found on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. For more about Mark, you can 'like' him on Facebook. I still hold out hope that Mark will come out of retirement, even if for just one last tour. I've not seen him live, and it remains one of those things on my bucket list. After listening to these songs, I bet you are feeling the same way.

Mark Weigle • Waltz With Me...

I am a huge fan of the music made by Mark Weigle, and was somewhat saddened when he announced his retirement from making music. Man, I wanted to see and hear him performing live, the rich voice caressing my ear drums with a deft and knowledgeable touch. Yes, I've been a fan for some time, at first wanting to support an out and proud man, but soon just lost in the music. There is such a richness to his tone, and a depth to his emotional tone, his music rocks me. And I have been wanting to share my love for his music with you all, but there is so little video out there, and I thought you really need to experience his voice for yourself to understand just how freakin' good this man is, and what great music he makes. Well, I made contact with Mark through his partner, and asked permission to make a few videos with the music and pictures of Mark, and was delighted I was given a green light. And I also feel confident in allowing you to have your own Weigle epiphany, for I am definite that once you've been exposed to his music, you are hooked for life. Well, I know I am.

I will begin with a cut off his 1998 album, 'The Truth Is'. It has two of my favorite cuts on it, including this first one. With "Two Cowboy Waltz," Mark manages to combine his strong Folk roots with just the right amount of Country, to make this amazing track. I read somewhere that Mark wrote it after he made his first trip to a gay bar that had country dances. It was there he firs saw two men dancing the Country Waltz, an intoxicating view to any gay man just finding their way. Enjoy "Two Cowboy Waltz".

On 'Out of the Loop,' his 2002 album, Mark did a brilliant duet with pioneering out musician Steven Grossman, a decade after we had lost Grossman. Steven was a great musician who was out and proud in the 1970s, and even signed on with Mercury Records to release his debut album, 'CaravanTonight,' released in 1974. The second track on the album was "Out," a beautiful and moving letter to Steven's family about the struggle with being a gay child in society. Mark decided to do a duet,  having received permission to not only sing the song, but to use some of Grossman's vocals to achieve the posthumous duet. I love both voices, so this is nothing short of a delectable treat, one that touches me deeply. I made the video for "Out (a duet with Steven Grossman)" using photographs of both Steven and Mark.

Now I will return to the album 'The Truth Is,' at least in spirit. It was on the album that I first heard Mark singing a breath-taking song, "Take Your Shoulder From The Wheel". When I first heard it, I was so touched, and moved. Then, when I purchased his 2003 album, 'Different and the Same,' I discovered the live track, and it was even better. I know, go figure! I fell in love with it all over again, and cannot tell you how many I hit play because that is just what I want to be hearing, sung by that gorgeous voice.

The album 'The Truth Is' can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. The album 'Out Of The Loop' can also be found on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. For more about Mark, you can 'like' him on Facebook. And join me in hoping Mark comes out of retirement at some point, if only to do a show I can attend. And if you are good, I bet you can join me.

Worth Another Listen - Mark Weigle

I have been a huge Mark Weigle fan for several years, and I hope there is another CD to come from this talented man. I often search the internet for out performers, and I came across information on him, accompanied with a picture. I have often mentioned how shallow I can be, and this was no exception. I thought he was hot, and ventured further to find his music. I first heard him, and it was all over. I heard The Two Cowboy Waltz and then Take Your Shoulder From The Wheel, both gloriously performed. I knew I couldn't escape his charm. I bought the CD, and each release following and previously recorded.



Mark's music is highly personal, with a country/folk flavor. The warmth and depth of his voice just melts me, his sound so lush. As a singer/songwriter, he often recorded his own songs, but also did some covers. His own songs spoke of his life, be it ex-boyfriends, love, life, and his life as an HIV positive man.



2003 offered Different and the Same, a collection of mainly cover songs, from the countryfied What I Like About You, to the rocking 867-5309/Jimmy, to the poppy cover of the Jackson 5 hit ABC, rewritten to be suit the singer, renamed AZT. His last CD, the eponymous Mark Weigle, was released in 2007, and I haven't heard of anything since. The video above was recorded in October of 2007, a radio interview/performance to support his current CD for a queer Australian radio program. This is one of a four-part series. I chose to focus on his cover of the Dolly Parton song Jolene, although he also performed some of his own stuff.



You can find more about Mark Weigle at his website. To purchase his music, you can go to CD Baby, a favorite music store of mine. You can get the physical CD, or do MP3 downloads.