Ian McKinney | ms

Mark McKinney, born and raised in Big Spring, TX, distinguishes himself from the typical “rockin’ country” artist by drawing from a wide range of influences. He credits his father for instilling in him an appreciation for upbeat, energetic songs. He blends his musical tastes as easily as drinking beer and eating barbecue, and he admits to a diverse musical background. “Although I grew up listening to country legends like Willie Nelson and Charlie Daniels, I was also heavily influenced by rock and pop.” This blend of influences has helped secure Mark a unique place in the country music/southern rock scene–...

McKinney's Cotton Pickers were a United States jazz band founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1926 by Bill McKinney, who expanded his Synco Septet to ten pieces. William " Bill" McKinney (September 17, 1895 - October 14, 1969) was an American jazz drummer born in Cynthiana, Kentucky. He worked as a drummer in a circus band, then after serving in the United States Army in World War I settled in Springfield, Ohio where he took over leadership of the Synco Jazz Band. After hiring drummer Cuba Austin, McKinney worked as leader and business manager. After touring the U.S. Midwest, they got...