Marc Benno is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer whose decades-long career in blues-infused rock has found him working alongside some of the most recognizable names in music. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, he quickly immersed himself in the vibrant local scene—rich with blues, country, and rock influences—and went on to carve a unique niche blending all three. His skillful guitar playing and soulful singing style earned him both critical and peer recognition, allowing him to become a sought-after session player and respected collaborator through the years.

Notable Collaborations and Associations

• Leon Russell
• The Asylum Choir
• The Doors
• Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Eric Clapton
• Bill Wyman
• Lightnin’ Hopkins
• Clarence White
• Rita Coolidge

From his early career forward, Marc Benno demonstrated a passion for exploring new territory in American music. In the late 1960s, he teamed with Leon Russell to form The Asylum Choir, producing energetic recordings that mixed rock, soul, and pop. Leon Russell, himself a prolific singer-songwriter and pianist, is known for penning classics such as “A Song for You” and for helping shape the sound of American popular music through his unparalleled session work. Together, Benno and Russell released Look Inside the Asylum Choir (1968) and Asylum Choir II (1971), showcasing an early synthesis of gospel-influenced vocals and funk-driven grooves.

Benno launched his solo career in the early 1970s, with his 1972 album Ambush becoming his most commercially successful release. He continued to refine his Texas blues-rock fusion on subsequent albums, balancing heartfelt lyricism with a soulful guitar tone. Over the decades, he has remained committed to his signature blend of blues intensity and melodic craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, Benno’s session work flourished. Notably, he contributed guitar to The Doors’ 1971 album L.A. Woman, playing alongside Robby Krieger on several tracks, including “Been Down So Long” and “Cars Hiss by My Window.” The Doors, known for hits like “Light My Fire” and “Riders on the Storm,” redefined rock music in the late 1960s and early 1970s; Benno’s playing brought a pronounced Texas blues edge to their final album with Jim Morrison.

Benno also led The Nightcrawlers, a group that famously included a young Stevie Ray Vaughan, who would later become a modern blues icon with songs like “Pride and Joy” and “Texas Flood.” Beyond that, Benno worked with guitar legend Eric Clapton—renowned for “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven”—and bassist Bill Wyman, best known for his tenure with The Rolling Stones. He further aligned himself with revered Texas bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins, session guitar virtuoso Clarence White, and soulful singer Rita Coolidge.

Among Benno’s songwriting credits is “Rock ’n Roll Me Again,” recorded by The System for the 1985 film Beverly Hills Cop. The movie’s soundtrack went on to win a Grammy Award, underscoring Benno’s far-reaching impact on popular music. Through touring and jam sessions, he has taken his roots-driven sound from major venues to intimate clubs, never losing the raw energy and commitment that define his performances.

Personal Recollections
When I heard there would be a book signing by Marc Benno in downtown Kerrville, I knew I had to go. At the time, I was already working as the Creative Director for the Kerrville Folk Festival, living on the ranch where the festival is held, so it was only a short trip into town. My main motivation was simple: my musical hero, Stevie Ray Vaughan, had once been in Marc’s band—as well as Doyle Bramhall Sr. I’ve seen a lot of my heroes perform over the years, but the opportunity to meet someone who had played such a big part in Stevie’s early career was irresistible.

Admittedly, I wasn’t familiar with all of Marc’s songs—just the ones he wrote that became hits, or that other artists had popularized. Still, I was excited to get to know him and learn more about his musical journey. Marc played two short sets that day, but attendance at the signing was sparse; for most of it, it was just Marc, his wife, and me. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because we ended up talking at length about everything from his blues-rock roots in Dallas to my work in festival promotion for the KFF. During our conversation, he also mentioned his Grammy-winning contribution to the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, and all sorts of other crazy shit that happened in L.A. with the Doors… Ok, ask me in private and I may tell you. If you are cool.

By the end of the afternoon, Marc had invited me to his home in Hunt (just down the road from Kerrville) so we could delve deeper into how my graphic design skills might be of use and discuss possible appearances he could make at the Kerrville Folk Festival. When I visited his home, he noticed the two custom silver Texas rings I always wear and commented on how much I seemed to appreciate Texas memorabilia. In a moment of genuine generosity, he gifted me a Texas ring with a jade face. It’s become a cherished keepsake, reminding me not just of his kindness and our shared Texas pride, but also of that unforgettable day in Kerrville when I got to meet a living legend of the blues and rock world.