Mark Steven Hubbard was born to Louarrine and Richard Hubbard on October 15, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois.
Mark’s early education took place at the Saint Edmonds Catholic Elementary School. He successfully graduated from the Mendel Catholic High School in 1984 and thereafter attended DePaul University.
Mark accepted the Lord as his savior at the age of five and joined the Greater Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his mother, Bishop Louarrine Hubbard.
At age eight, Mark developed an interest for choir directing. His enthusiasm grew and he soon became the director of the church choir at Greater Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church.
Because of Mark’s great love for the music ministry and desire to win souls for Christ, in 1985 at age 19, Mark organized “The United Voices for Christ” (affectionately known as the Voices). With only three members, the Voices sang under the anointing of God with three major objectives: take a stand against the devil, win souls for Christ and exalt the Lord with serious praise. Mark and the Voices not only grew spiritually, but the Lord blessed the choir to grow, exceeding 100 members.
Mark and the Voices signed their first recording contract with Tyscot Records in 1992. The relationship with Tyscot afforded Mark and the Voices to record four projects: “Trust in Jesus”, “No I Won’t Turn Back”, “He’s Up There” and “A Different Level”. These projects are packed with spirit filled songs from traditional to contemporary in order to reach, encourage and uplift the masses.
In 1998/99, Mark and the Voices were blessed to travel and tour several cities in Italy, including Orvieto, Perugia, Bari and Milan. Mark and the Voices performed to many sold out performances that both inspired and saved souls. Mark and the Voices have toured many cities throughout the United States and have developed a loyal fan base and strong reputation for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Mark and the Voices grew to become one of Chicago’s most celebrated choirs. Their spirit-filled, high energy performances awarded them many opportunities to perform with some of the country’s most notable gospel and pop/hip-hop celebrities. Mark and the Voices have shared the performance stage with such renowned artists as Aretha Franklin, Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, Melba Moore, Tramaine Hawkins, Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Carr, Ted and Sherri, Bee Bee & Cee Cee Winans, Beverly Crawford, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard, Stephanie Mills, The Thompson Community Singers, the late O’Landa Draper and the Associates, Byron Cage, Pastor DeAndre Patterson and Pastor Donnie McClurkin.
Additionally, Mark and the Voices have performed on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Bobby Jones Gospel, the Chicago Gospel Fest and at the Chicago Regal Theatre.
Along Mark’s walk with Christ he joined the Sweet Holy Spirit Full Gospel Baptist Church in 1989, where Bishop Larry D. Trotter is pastor and at that time served as the Assistant Minister of Music and director of the Spirit of David Choir. Mark was placed on staff as the Assistant Church Administrator. His responsibilities included arranging and coordinating the Christian music ministries of the church. Mark also served as General Manager of the Joshua Joint.
In 1997, Mark was elected the National Assistant Minister of Music for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship which Bishop Paul S. Morton presides.
In April of 2001, Mark saw a special need in the Christian music community which led him to organize United for One Cause (UF1C). This organization is geared toward assisting choirs, soloists and musicians who are seeking help in developing their talents in the music industry. UF1C also assists in educating Christians regarding health concerns. Several successful conferences have been held in the city of Chicago, with many outstanding guest speakers.
In 2003, Mark and the Voices signed their second recording contract with Utopia Music Group and have since released their current CD entitled, “Blessin’ Waitin’ on Me”. This project promises to take the masses to a new dimension.
In 2006, Mark and the Voices were blessed to be the recipients of one of the most prestigious awards in Gospel Music. The 2005 Stellar Award for Traditional Choir of the Year was presented to Mark S Hubbard and the Voices. Later that same year, Mark and the Voices were asked to accompany R&B Mega Star R. Kelly in the video shoot for the sixth sequel to his Trapped in the Closet saga.
Mark currently serves as a board member on the Chicago Gospel Fest Committee under Chairperson Pam Morris and Administrator of Music and Fine Arts for YAYAC (Youth and Young Adult Chorale).
Mark, the producer, songwriter, vocal trainer and unique choral director loves meeting people from all walks of life and has a heart for the youth. Mark believes in sharing his talents and knowledge of music ministry with others through conducting musical workshops for people of all ages.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest entry ends 05/17/10. Each member of choir must be 18 years of age or older as of 1/10/2010 and legal resident of 50 U.S. and D.C. (excl. Puerto Rico & other U.S. territories). Void outside of U.S. and where prohibited by law. Click here for official rules, or call 800.230.0053 to receive copy. In addition, if for any reason, in its sole discretion, Verizon determines that the Contest should not or cannot be run as planned, Verizon may cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. Verizon is the sponsor of the How Sweet the Sound Choir Contest. How Sweet the Sound™ is a trademark of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos Inc., D/B/A Erwin-Penland. All rights reserved. © Verizon 2010. For website assistance, click here.
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