Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Dagan.
Hi Marcus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I guess my musical journey began when I was just 4 years old. My Father was a very talented musician and sat me at the piano and gave me some basic lessons for about a year. He then hired a professional piano teacher who I stayed with till I was 17.
All I ever played in those days was classical music although I did write two or three songs that were kind of the “folk” genre. received a diploma from the Royal College of Music in London. I never wanted to see a piano again! But the seeds were sown and in 1975 I embarked upon the path I have followed ever since. Each day that passes and each performance given I am eternally grateful I have this gift.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say I have been blessed to be a “journeyman” musician. I really wasn’t too interested in fame although a fortune would have been nice. I just enjoyed being able to entertain people in intimate settings and follow the various paths the universe set for me. Thankfully the struggles were few and far between. The hardest part (as a songwriter) were and still are getting material to well established performers. Frank Sinatra asked me why I hadn’t sent him the song “Cocktail Time”, I told him I’d tried but there were too many gatekeepers preventing that connection.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
It was once said that I had an extended childhood because when I went out to work I went out to play. To me what I do is NOT work it’s a calling. I specialize in “living the lyric” of whatever song I’m performing, every syllable and comma are important to me. I am known as an interpreter of the words I sing, frequently putting songs into the “first person” to make them more intimate and honest. I frequently add or slightly amend lyrics to existing songs to make them mirror my experiences. I am humbly proud of each performance and that commitment to a lyric makes me stand out to those who care to listen to the nuances.
Also, working with Mariah Bonner for over four years and imparting my knowledge and experience to her is something I am enormously proud of. Her training as an actress gave her the appreciation of the written word, combined with a lovely voice made it easy for me to mentor and collaborate with her in live performances and in the recording studio.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being “real” and honest in my shows whether in cabaret, a concert or just singing in a neighborhood restaurant like Sammy’s here in Baltimore. The audiences know I really love what I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @marcusdagan
- Facebook: @marcusdagan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/marcusdagan
