Marcus K. Dowling is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. In the past 10 years, via his conceptual vision and marketing expertise, Marcus has aided creative entrepreneurs in the arts and entertainment industries in earning over $25 million in gross revenue. As a writer, he regularly contributes to the likes of VICE, Pitchfork, Complex, The Bitter Southerner, Bandcamp, Mixmag, the Washington City Paper, ESPN's Undefeated and more.
Marcus K. Dowling
How Vicente Fernández Influenced George Strait to Become the ‘King of Country’
You may not know him by name, but Vicente Fernández made a lasting impact on George Strait.
How the Pointer Sisters Blended Countrypolitan Flair With Champagne Soul on 1981’s ‘Slow Hand’
The Pointer Sisters’ “Slow Hand” stands the test of time as an essential and vital bridge in country, pop and soul’s musical legacies.
How Reba McEntire Flipped ‘Whoever’s in New England’ (and Her Sound) to Create a Mega-Hit
The country legend’s most heartfelt song became a breakthrough hit, attached to a stellar and groundbreaking music video released during that medium’s early heights.
A Brief History of Black Country Music, From Tee Tot to Breland
Because country music is a descendant of blues and folk music, the Black musical tradition in the genre extends to the 17th century, well before the genre’s established 1920s roots.
Patsy Cline’s ‘I Fall to Pieces’ Is an Enduring Classic Despite Her Reservations
Everything about the recording session that Cline disliked, in fact, adds to her performance.
‘Kiss an Angel Good Mornin”: The Life, Times and Music That Made Charley Pride’s Greatest Hit
That songwriter Ben Peters’ tune about how much he loved his newborn daughter became Pride’s signature song is an intriguing story with many layers.
‘9 to 5′, 40 Years Later: Dolly Parton’s Movie Theme Remains One of the Most Socially Impactful Songs Ever
Every time you see Reba McEntire on the silver or TV screen or hear Shania Twain singing songs with a vamping, rock core, Dolly Parton's there.
Kenny Rogers’ Lionel Richie-Penned Hit ‘Lady’ Sums Up Their Genre-Defying Greatness
In the annals of singer-songwriter collaborations, there is anthemic greatness, and then there is “Lady.”