In Memoriam
Mark Stuart Elliott
MAY 30, 1967 – NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Mark Stuart Elliott, age 56, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
We were all deeply saddened to get the news that Mark Elliott had lost his battle with a disease that hit him quickly and, after a battle and having access to all of the latest medical treatment, it took his life. The last time I spoke with Mark he was still optimistic and that was always one of Mark’s wonderful character traits. Mark participated in every one of our Hope In The Gate retreats with UR and Citygate Network. He was a “go to” writer as he had a big ol’ heart, he listened so well, and he knew how to help our participants who were all coming out of homelessness, addictions, abuse, and deep brokenness. He knew how to hear the hurt and then translate that into a song that reflected so well on the humanity of the lives who carried these stories. But he always had hope in his lyric.
We will all miss him tremendously as we continue on with our Hope In The Gate retreats in 2024 and beyond. His memory will always be kept alive and we honor his life with every single retreat we do in the future. Enjoy your eternity free of disease that took you so quickly. We’re all headed your way and can hardly wait to give you a big hug.
Mark has been a foundational writer for Hope In The Gate. He was known for his powerful, rich tenor voice. He trained as an opera singer before embracing his troubadour roots and logging countless miles as a solo folk and bluegrass artist.
After studying songwriting under the wing of a master craftsman, Mark found himself relocating to Nashville and signing as a writer with Cherry Lane Music – the first of many publishing houses. He has released six albums and eight singles as a solo artist.
Mark has written for Nashville’s top publishing houses, including Sony-Tree, Maypop, and Bluewater Music. His songs have been recorded by independent and major artists, receiving airplay on radio and TV in the United States and abroad. His songs have hit the Billboard Top Forty Charts, highlighted by the hit single by Neal McCoy, “Every Man for Himself.” Billboard Magazine called it “a song with rare lyrical and musical edge and the best cut on the album.” Championship rodeo rider and famed singer, Chris LeDoux cut Mark’s song, “Making Ends Meet” on his hit album, “Watcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy?”
Mark is also an author, turning from the shorter song-form to essays and books. He will always be a special contributor to all we do at UR and Hope In The Gate.
From one of our volunteers:
I met Mark at the city gate retreats (Hope In The Gate). My wife and I volunteer at the retreat and one of the highlights every time was talking with Mark. His kind and gracious spirit radiated through his connection with the homeless participants. His music was heartfelt and sincere. The original songs he would write about the lives of the homeless were so encouraging and honest. You could see it in the faces of each one as they listen to they’re story unfold in one of Mark’s beautiful songs. My life will forever be richer for knowing Mark. As we are left here to mourn the loss of a beautiful soul all I can think is that Mark was greeted by his heavenly Father with the words “well done good and faithful son.” May God bless all those he left behind.
Kevin Cantrell
Friend
11/18/2023
