By BARBARA GREEN

Mark Murphey is a man of many faces: Auctioneer, county commissioner, family man volunteer firefighter and professional musician.

While he has many business endeavors, music has been a constant in his life taking him down many colorful roads with adventures.

Murphey was born 51 years ago in Dallas to Fern and John Murphey, but his Montague County roots run deep. His great grandmother, “Zootie” Tombs Jennings ran the general store at Red River Station at the turn of the century. His ancestors are buried at Molsbee Chapel.

John and Fern moved his family to Nocona in 1965, and Mark recalls his dad “sorta quit” performing when he came along, although John still made some jamborees. With his musician father, it was no surprise music settled into his soul.

“As a kid I listened to the Grand Old Opry on the radio and we watched Hee Haw, then I saw dad at the jamborees. I was playing by age 10 starting with the banjo, mandolin and guitar. I couldn’t figure out my instrument. Dad told me to stick with one and I would get good at it, so I am still only halfway good at several,” laughs Murphey.

Meet this local musician in your weekend News and learn how music continues to be an integral part of his life.

Mark Murphey has been a musician almost all of his life, although his career path has taken many turns. (Courtesy photo taken at Texas Nightlife)