Episode 39 Mark Wright: Hit Producer & Songwriter

Mark Wright has to his credit tens of millions of units in sales, if not more, and a huge number of number one singles that he wrote, published, or produced as well as several major awards. He grew up loving the business of music. Mark’s father was a music director for schools in his local area and he was a member of the All State Choir. He chose to continue studying music when he went to college and then went right into the industry immediately after graduation.   He knew that his life was going to be dedicated to music. Mark started his career as a songwriter and later realized that his favorite part of the process was the production. He spent the next several decades helping artists realize their vision of having hit records including Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Mark Chesnutt, Lee Ann Womack, and Rhett Akins.   Show Highlights:   [00:10] Learn about Mark Wright’s industry credits and accolades.  [02:39] Mark shares the highlights of his early days learning music.  [04:12] Who did he listen to growing up?  [05:00] Did he know what he wanted to do when he went to Belmont College?  [07:27] How did he start out in the industry?  [09:59] Mark chats about his first publishing experience. [10:53] What happened between his songwriting stint and his transition to production? [12:20] Did he have a signature in his production process?  [14:58] As a producer how involved did he get in the song arrangement?  [16:40] What is his process for working with artists and cutting records with them?  [20:42] Was he surprised when “I Hope You Dance” crossed over to the pop charts?  [21:48] Did he have to deal with a bunch of challenges with artists?  [22:48] How does he handle differences of opinion with the artists?  [24:32] Is it different working with singers versus instrumentalists?  [26:42] Are we missing things by not being able to record in the same room at the same time?  [28:23] Learn how various people are approaching this new realm of recording. [29:59] Hear a good story about working with Brooks & Dunn. [32:55] What was it like working with Clint Black?  [35:16] Did he have a good experience working with Trisha Yearwood?  [36:43] Hear more about working with Rhett Akins. [39:03] How does he feel about his time working with various record labels on the corporate side?  [42:29] What’s he looking forward to in his life and career?    LINKS & RESOURCES   Mark Wright: Mark Wright (record procucer)    Mark Wright Biography by AllMusic    Songs Discussed During The Interview:Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw  Today My World Slipped Away - George Strait https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uc4orZ444s  Mark Chesnutt - Too Cold At Home  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3800PSW4vQ  Mark Chesnutt - Bubba Shot The Jukebox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=439jqiY0Eto  Mark Chesnutt - Gonna Get A Life  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yH7DC8kjU0  Gretchen Wilson - Redneck Woman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82dDnv9zeLs  Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPf0YbXqDm0   Episodes Mentioned:  Episode 36 Rhett Akins: Hit Songwriter & Recording Artist     Follow The Music Makers:  The Music Makers on Instagram   The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection.   Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment    Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz