Mark Erelli is a critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his distinctive blend of rock, folk, and Americana. His music is known for its lyrical depth and intricate instrumentation, drawing influence from classic rock icons.

Highlights from Erelli’s career include 14 solo albums; three records with his bluegrass band Barnstar!; sideman stints accompanying Marc Cohn, Paula Cole, and Josh Ritter; and a pair of records he produced for GRAMMY-winning songwriter Lori McKenna.

In the summer of 2020, he faced a profound personal challenge when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disease, after a two decade-long career. This diagnosis raised questions about how his diminishing eyesight might affect his songwriting and creative insight. These concerns and his quest for creative expression are central themes in his newest studio album, Lay Your Darkness Down. In 2025, Mark released his first live album, Live in Rockport, backed by a string quintet playing songs from across his catalogue. Mark’s music has been praised in Rolling Stone, Associated Press, NPR, The Boston Globe, and many other notable outlets. Folk Alley encourages people to “listen close; there’s sure to be something in there to break your heart a split second before it leads you straight to grace.” Whether he’s wielding a pen or a Telecaster, Mark Erelli’s music welcomes the casual listener, and richly rewards those who choose to dig deeper.