The Mark Ian Band
WIOQ DJs, Helen Leicht and David Dye
I formed The Mark Ian Band in 1976 and recorded three songs that year: Love Again At All, Fallen Angels, and Now That You Know It. The songs were recorded at Veritable Studios in Lansdowne, PA, and were produced by D.W. Fearn. The songs were subsequently played on Philadelphia's popular radio station, WIOQ, on a special radio program they aired on Sunday Nights called “Debut on Q.” The show was meant to provide an opportunity for local artists to have their music heard on the radio. It was hosted by Helen Leicht, who went on to become a well-known DJ in Philadelphia and whose career has lasted over 40 years.
The Mark Ian Band performed only one live concert, in October of 1976, at Strode's Mill Theatre, in Chester County, PA. The theatre was later renamed and was the first incarnation of the People's Light and Theater Company. Although the concert was a great success, the band soon disbanded after their performance.
The Mark Ian Band performed only one live concert, in October of 1976, at Strode's Mill Theatre, in Chester County, PA. The theatre was later renamed and was the first incarnation of the People's Light and Theater Company. Although the concert was a great success, the band soon disbanded after their performance.
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Mark Ian, aka Mark Minassian, continued to record and perform locally and went on to record under the name I Am Winkle. Jim Peters, the bass player, eventually joined “The Reds” who went on to record a few albums on A&M Records. Chip Roberts continued his musical career playing with local bands of the era and recently accompanied Tommy Stinson, an original member of The Replacements. Unfortunately I've lost track of drummer Steve Johnson's musical endeavors.
Debut On Q - Radio Show 1976 |
The Mark Ian Band: from left to right, top row Jim Peters, Steve Johnson, bottom row, "Country" Chip Roberts, Mark Minassian.
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