COUNTY LIFE
Music: ‘You feel it or you don’t’ – Nocona musician keeps going back to his roots
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)
Inside today find a special section Remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of this pivotal day in America’s history.
This section provides an hour by hour account of that day to inform those who may not familiar with the details. We pay tribute to all those who faced the attacks and helped save those in danger from all walks of life. May this tribute remind you of all America lost that day and how the country moved forward.
Area young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Art of the Song Young Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition on Oct. 10 during the annual music festival in Nocona.
Entry is free and artists may enter up to three pieces of artwork. One entry must be music-related, while the other two can be any art medium or genre. Drop-off artwork from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 103 Clay Street.
Art will be displayed starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Those with questions may call R. Marie Molsbee, 940-887-0165 or horse.power.ranch.nocona@gmail.com.
The performing arts portion will be at Bitters & Sweets, 206 Clay Street. If you have a child who loves to sing, dance or play an instrument or perform? Let them share their talents in a performance at the Art of the Song.
Those interested in the performing arts program may contact Carla at 940-765-5619 or carlad@bittersandsweetsbar.com.
The staff, board of directors and volunteers of Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum are making plans for the group’s major fundraiser, “Shebang” on Sept. 26.
This year Shebang will join in all the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
Mark your calendar when the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. Shebang takes place in the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street.
The evening will feature a dinner prepared by local chefs, fun games where you could win a prize, live and silent auctions, plus the popular bucket auction where you never know who will win. A new menu is being served that will feature prime rib, roasted sweet potatoes, hominy casserole, broccoli salad and strawberry shortcake.
Reservations are being taken now, just call the museum at 825-5330. Proceeds from the Shebang help pay for annual operating costs of the museum. Call 825-5330 to purchase tickets, also visit the website at talesntrails.org to see auction items and learn more about the museum.
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