Mark May

Mark Thomas May, 62, passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2024 in his second home; Houston, Texas. Mark was born on September 29, 1961 in Columbus, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his mother JoAnn Adkins May, father Clyde Thomas May, older brother Kenneth May and furbaby Benji. He is survived by his sisters; Deborah May and Clyann May, brother-in-law; Nicholas DePietro, sister-in-law; Cheryl May, nephews; Jason (Cordelia) Helmandollar, Thomas J (Anita) DePietro, nieces; Lori (Jon) Standen, Heidi Monroe, many grandnieces and nephews, girlfriend; Wendy Turner, his furbabies; Charlie and Sassy, and many friends and fans who he adored. Mark lived outside of Johnstown Ohio and graduated from Northridge High School in 1980.

Mark will forever be a legend in the blues community, not only for his creative, talented, kind soul, but also for his charismatic, playful personality that he shared with everyone he met.. He had a very humble and patient soul that allowed him to teach hundreds of young musicians. Over the course of the last 25+ years, Mark impacted many other musicians, fans, and friends.

Mark grew up in an all musical family; His mother and uncles were country/bluegrass singers and songwriters. Mark fell in love with the blues at the tender age of 11, when his Aunt gave him a copy of B.B. King’s “Live in Cook County Jail”. His mother and brother taught him how to play the guitar and introduced him to other music such as Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. By 15 years old he was playing in multiple bands, including country and hardrock, on the weekends, which continued until a few years after high school. With all of his musical talent and experience, Mark relocated to LA with his brother; both moving back to Ohio shortly after to team up with their mother to form The May Family Band.

By 1990, he moved to Houston, Tx with his brother to play Blues full time. He formed a new band, Mark May & The Agitators. He became a full time musician when he released his first album, Call On The Blues, in 1995 with Icehouse Records and began touring. His talent caught the eye of many and he played with some legendary artists such as The Allman Brothers, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, The Doobie Brothers and Dicky Betts. In this community, he formed lifelong friendships with many other musicians and fans.

After years of pouring his heart and soul into the blues, Mark completed his career with 7 released cd’s, two top ten billboard blues albums, and an induction into the Columbus Blues Alliance Hall of Fame.

Due to his large volume of family, friends and fans, celebrations of life will be held as follows:
Texas - Green Oaks Tavern - September 15
Texas - Woodlands Church - September 17
Texas - Katie’s Bar - September 22
Texas - The Big Easy - September 29
Ohio - The Port Smokehouse - September 29
More details regarding locations/times can be found on the Mark May Band facebook page.

“I think if it is in your blood, you never really stop” - Mark T. May