Trumpeter Stan Mark was one of the first musicians that I interviewed for my on-going series of profiles. That was back in 1994 and took place at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas when he was a member of Jim Fitzgerald’s Sorta Dixie Jazz Band. Stan was a top-notch horn player and a big jazz education advocate. Never one to shirk from stating his opinion, he was considered a tad controversial and outspoken in the eyes of some people. But that was Stanley, and he had a colorful career and was always the source of great copy for those of us in the Fourth Estate.
Originally from the Keystone State of Pennsylvania, Stan aspired to play in the United States Navy Band, which he did for eight years. One of his duties was playing taps at Arlington National Cemetery burials, including President John F. Kennedy’s service. From there, he went on to be the lead trumpeter in Maynard Ferguson’s band, spent 10 years with a circus band at Disney World and touring with Ray Charles, and later ran a music studio, used record store and a limo company.
Longtime readers will probably best remember Stan from his leadership of the River City Stomperz during his time in Sacramento. Now after 46 years as a professional musician, he is fully retired, living in Reno, Nevada, and playing golf along with the usual activities that consume the daily regimen of a 71-year-old. The last time he
