By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Back to his roots
Gospel singer to perform at the Manse at Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church Sunday
Mark Cartwright 1
Mark Cartwright. - photo by Provided

Gospel singer-songwriter and evangelist Mark Cartwright is returning home to perform locally at the Manse at Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church in Richmond Hill this Sunday at 4 p.m.

Cartwright has called Midway his home for more than 20 years. Although he’s been recognized for nearly 40 years in country music, he said his heart is for gospel music because it allows him to affect the lives of those who hear him. Also an evangelist, Cartwright said gospel music is just one of the ways he spreads the Gospel — the "good news" — about Jesus.

"I do love country music," said Cartwright, who was recognized in November 2013 by the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame for 39 years in country music. "Whenever I sing gospel music, I feel a true connection to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Gospel music has an everlasting impact on a person and – with the Holy Spirit – can bring someone to Christ. Good, clean country music is fun to do, but whenever I see I’ve made a difference in a person’s life then I feel a sense of true accomplishment."

He said most country music and gospel music are basically the same. If the people like the lyrics and the melody is good, he said people enjoy it. Music is a universal language, he said.

Cartwright said he enjoys listening to classic country music from the 1950, 60s and 70s, and even Big Band music from the 1940s. Most of all, he likes to listen to what he likes to sing, gospel music. He admits even with gospel music, he has a particular favoritism toward Southern Gospel through groups like the McKameys from Clinton, Tenn. and Gospel Hall of Fame winners, the Hoppers from Madison, N.C. Although he’s never been part of a Southern Gospel quartet, Cartwright said he has occasionally sang duets with his wife, Scarlett.

He writes both country and gospel music, but Cartwright said he approaches writing each music genre differently. He said when writing a gospel song, he depends entirely on the inspiration of God. He has in fact written songs then realized later the lyrics were supported by Scripture and not simply what he thought or how he felt about it.

"I enjoy recording and working in my studio, which is located behind my home (in Midway)," he said, explaining what he does to relax when he’s not on the road touring all over the Southeastern U.S. "I also enjoy spending quality time with my family and my special friends."

Part of Cartwright’s Richmond Hill concert will be to promote his new gospel album, "Half N Half Ain’t Bad," which was released earlier this year by Tate Music Group. Cartwright said he began playing the piano when he was only five years old then became a professional entertainer at age 13. It wasn’t until 2009, however, that he totally surrendered his life to Jesus, whom he now preaches through his gospel music.

"If you enjoy good, uplifting, toe-tapping music presented in a professional, clean manner then you would love to catch me in concert," Cartwright said. "I love to get the audience involved."

Sign up for our E-Newsletters