Miko Marks is an American Americana singer based in Oakland, California. She was born in Flint, Michigan. She attended from 1990 to 1994 Grambling State University in Louisiana where she got her degree in Political Science. She later moved to San Francisco. Marks was named Best New Country Artist at the 2006 New Music Weekly Awards.
Marks released her debut single, "Freeway Bound," in 2005. It was followed by her debut album, also titled Freeway Bound, which was released on September 13, 2005. Three further singles ("Kickin' Back," "Mama," and "Don't Come Cryin' to Me") were released from the album in 2006. "Mama" featured Marks' first music video, which included a guest appearance by Erykah Badu assuming the title role. Her second studio album, It Feels Good, followed in 2007 after the release of lead-off single "Locked and Loaded." Both were produced by Ron Cornelius and released under the Mirrome Records imprint.
In his review of It Feels Good, Stewart Mason of allmusic awarded the album 3 and 1/2 stars, drawing comparisons to the Dixie Chicks and Gretchen Wilson while commenting that the album "clicks on every level, making it a solidly enjoyable neo-traditionalist country listen."
In 2021, Marks released âÂÂOur Country,â her first new album in over a decade. The album's lead single and music video are "We Are Here".
In October 2022, Marks performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. According to CMT, her performance received two standing ovations.
In October of 2023, Marks collaborated with the Fisk Jubilee Singers for an updated version of her song "Jubilee"
Due to her unique uprising, she has had exposure to many different types of music which lead to her style being formulated. Her sound is one that is rooted in midwestern music. With styles blending America, blues, southern rock, and even gospel, she voice and developed style allowed her to expand into many different genres, diversifying her music career. However, her voice initially stared out as a hobby as she attended Grambling State and an early motherhood put her signing goals at a pause. With encouragement from her husband she then released her first two albums.
She married young and had a son, Justin. Her husband works as local firefighter.