Music: Mark McGuinn, 'Mrs. Steven Rudy' artist, dies at 58
The Greensboro native and former soccer player died on Oct. 26 after a recording career that began with a 2001 Top 10 hit.
By Samuel Hayes ·
Mark McGuinn, the country singer who reached the Top 10 in 2001 with "Mrs. Steven Rudy," died on Oct. 26, his obituary states. He was 58. The document did not list a cause of death.
McGuinn was born in Greensboro on Aug. 19, 1968, and attended Grimsley High School, where he played soccer and trumpet. He earned a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University, playing midfield for the Mountaineers. After a brief stint with the professional Greensboro Dynamo, an injury ended his soccer career. He then moved to Nashville with friend Bill Davidson to pursue music.
He signed a recording deal with VFR Records. His debut single, "Mrs. Steven Rudy," became the first Top 10 country hit by a new independent-label artist in more than 40 years. His self-titled debut album followed in 2001.
The obituary described McGuinn as kind, creative, and easygoing. It noted his devotion to his two children, Ella Rose and Charlie. His early interest in jazz, cultivated in high school, influenced his musical style.
He is survived by his children; their mother, Dr. Stacey M. McGuinn; his mother, Eleanor T. McGuinn; his sister, Terri McGuinn Thomas; and his brothers, Jack, Scott, and Kirk McGuinn. His father, Jack Hamilton McGuinn Sr., died before him.
The family requested memorial donations to the MusiCares Foundation or to Christ United Methodist Church in Greensboro. A celebration of life took place on Nov. 8 at that church.
