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About Mark Wenner
Blues Harmonica Master & Founder of The Nighthawks
Mark Wenner is a renowned blues harmonica player, vocalist, and founding member ofThe Nighthawks, one of America’s longest-running blues and roots bands. Since forming the band in Washington, D.C., in 1972, Wenner has ledThe Nighthawksthrough over five decades of high-energy performances, relentless touring, and more than 40 acclaimed albums.
Inspired early on by the electric blues of Muddy Waters and the raw sound of Slim Harpo and Jimmy Reed, Wenner began playing harmonica in high school and honed his skills while attending Columbia University, where he immersed himself in New York’s vibrant blues scene. Influences like Paul Butterfield, Charlie Musselwhite, and Big Walter Horton shaped his dynamic, expressive harp style.
Wenner’s leadership has kept The Nighthawks a powerful live act, known for blending Chicago blues, rockabilly, and R&B into a gritty, authentic sound. Beyond the Nighthawks, he has recorded several solo albums and co-founded the acoustic Blue Rider Trio, showcasing his versatility on both electric and traditional harmonica. He also leads Mark Wenner's Blues Warriors.
A fixture in the Mid-Atlantic blues community, Wenner has shared the stage with legends such as Muddy Waters, James Cotton, and Buddy Guy. His dedication to the blues, both on stage and in the studio, has helped preserve its legacy while pushing its boundaries.
With a career spanning over 50 years, Mark Wenner remains a driving force in American blues—an artist committed to the music’s roots, yet unafraid to roll with the changing times.
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