Bio:
Marco R. Wagner’s musical journey is a blend of diverse cultural influences and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling through music. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant 1960s art scene, Marco is the grandson of a German orchestra director, the son of a Spanish painter, and a Brazilian pianist. His early exposure to various art forms and cultures shaped his unique musical style, blending elements of Americana, folk, and acoustic music.
At the age of 17, Marco had his first performance in Spain, becoming part of Madrid’s cultural revival known as «La Movida.» In 1980, he moved to New York City to immerse himself in the rich tapestry of traditional American music. His debut album, «What’s Love Remains» (1991), received critical acclaim in New York, establishing him as a promising singer-songwriter.
Marco’s journey continued in Nashville during the 1990s, where he recorded his second album, «Poet, Painter & Cowboy» (1999). This album features collaborations with renowned artists such as Dolly Parton, Jana Stanfield, Julie Gold, and members of The Byrds, Guess Who, Orleans, New Grass Revival, and The Wooten Brothers. Marco also co-founded the popular local band The Joytoys, releasing «Come Out and Play!» (1997), and formed his backup band, Worlds Collide, with whom he released «140 Reasons» (2005). This album was nominated in two categories at the Spanish Music Academy Awards and featured the acclaimed anti-war single «Democratize,» listed on Neil Young’s official website.
In 2014, Marco released «My Old Spain,» an Americana collection of acoustic songs with stellar collaborations such as Jeff Espinoza (The Gypsy Runners) and Ramón Arroyo (Los Secretos). The album garnered rave reviews and extensive airplay across Europe and the USA. This was followed by «Music Love Magic» (2018), which continued his success with tours in Brazil and Europe.
Marco’s latest album, «Back to the Plow» (2021), was recorded entirely in his home studio in Spain during the pandemic. Produced in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning engineer Michael Saint-Leon, this album completes a trilogy that showcases Marco’s evolving artistry and resilience. Throughout his career, Marco has toured with artists like Sid Griffin (The Long Ryders), Gene Taylor (Canned Heat, The Blasters), and Luthea Salom.
Marco R. Wagner’s discography is a testament to his journey across continents and cultures, blending diverse musical influences into a unique and captivating sound. His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through his music make him a distinguished artist in the global music scene.