Mark Mothersbaugh
Mark Allen Mothersbaugh (/ˈmʌðərzbÉ”Ë/; born May 18, 1950) is an American musician and composer. He came to prominence in the late 1970s as co-founder, lead singer and keyboardist of the new wave band Devo, whose "Whip It" was a top 20 single in the US in 1980, peaking at No. 14, and which has since maintained a cult following. Mothersbaugh is one of the main composers of Devo's music.
Mark Mothersbaugh
- Singer
- songwriter
- composer
- multi-instrumentalist
- record producer
- visual artist
1972–present
- Nancye Ferguson (divorced)
- Anita Greenspan
2
- Bob Mothersbaugh (brother)
- Jim Mothersbaugh (brother)
- Silas Hite (nephew)
- Dove, the Band of Love
- Jihad Jerry & the Evildoers
- the Wipeouters
In addition to his work with Devo, Mothersbaugh has made music for television series, films and video games via his production company, Mutato Muzika. He composed the music for the 13-year run of the animated series Rugrats and its three related theatrical films. He has created film scores for Wes Anderson and for Marvel Comics films. As a solo musician, Mothersbaugh has released four studio albums: Muzik for Insomniaks, Muzik for the Gallery, Joyeux Mutato and The Most Powerful Healing Muzik in the Entire World.
In 2004, he received the Richard Kirk award at the BMI Film and TV Awards for his contributions to film and television music.[4] In 2008, Mothersbaugh received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Kent State University, his alma mater.[5]
Early years[edit]
Mark Allen Mothersbaugh was born on May 18, 1950, in Akron, Ohio. His parents are Mary Margaret ("Mig") and Robert Mothersbaugh, Sr. He grew up with two younger brothers, Bob and Jim, who are both musicians, and two sisters, Amy and Susan, and graduated from Woodridge High School in Peninsula, Ohio.[6][7] His father appeared in early Devo films and fan events as the character General Boy and his brothers participated in the band, although Jim's tenure was brief, appearing only on several early demos.
Honors and awards[edit]
Mothersbaugh was honored with the Richard Kirk award at the 2004 BMI Film and TV Awards. The award is given annually to a composer of film and television music.[4]
On May 10, 2008, Mothersbaugh was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Kent State University.[43]
On May 28, 2016, Mothersbaugh was awarded the key to the city of Akron during a ceremony at the Akron-Summit County Public Library.[44]