Mark Stephen Payne is a native of Baltimore, Maryland now residing in Tampa, Florida. Mark was a child prodigy and at age 7 began playing piano and organ.  Studied music at the Peabody Preparatory School of Music, as well as the Shenandoah University. Played in churches, top 40 bands and jazz bands during  his High School and College years . Although raised in church, his conversion experience  with Jesus Christ was sealed at age 17. 

 His music has afforded him the opportunity to travel throughout the United States, Canada, The Caribbean Islands, Europe, Asia, South Africa .

 Some highlights of his career: Mark got his start in the gospel music industry with nationally known gospel artist’s The Thornes Trio on the Savoy label and recorded 4 albums. He composed and arranged music for Dony and Reba McQuire’s release “Suddenly”, and was featured on keyboards.  He also arranged and recorded songs on Gospel Music Hall of fame inductee Larnelle Harris’s “A Story to Tell”  and traveled with him for 8 years.

Was a featured pianist on a east coast tour with the legendary Edwin Hawkins (Oh Happy Day) which included Carnegie Hall. Mark was also one of five pianist featured in Dino Kartsonakis spectacular “Pianorama” which was televised.

His instrumental recordings include: Perfect Peace, Glorify Him, Secret Place, Secret Place 2, Mark Payne Christmas and his most recent release, Test of Time.