Mark Evitts

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Mark Evitts
Mark Evitts BMI.jpg
Evitts at the 2023 BMI Awards in Los Angeles, CA.
Born (1981-07-14) July 14, 1981 (age 44)
Paducah, Kentucky
Education Murray State University
Berklee College of Music (BA)
Occupation(s)Composer, record producer, musician, songwriter
Years active1996 - Present
Honours Kentucky Colonel
Website markevitts.com

Mark Steven Evitts is an Emmy award-winning [1] American composer, producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His work spans television, film, and music working on shows for Apple TV+, Netflix, and artists like Nas, Hit-Boy, G Herbo, Train, [2] Blues Traveler, Rodney Atkins, [3] [4] The Band Perry, Drew Seeley, Jaida Dreyer, [5] We the Kings, [6] among many others.

Contents

In 2025 Evitts won a Children's and Family Emmy Awards for his music direction of Apple TV+'s animated program Frog and Toad.

Early life and education

A Kentucky native, [7] Evitts began his classical music training at age twelve with the Concertmaster of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, Kathy McCann Gardner. In 1999, he went to Murray State University where he met mandolinist, Chris Thile. [8] Evitts left Murray State University after only a semester. [9] In 2006, he began touring with the band Scarlet Kings (previously Oval Opus) until 2009. In 2010, he ventured into film as the musical director and producer for the documentary Newport. [10] He went back to school to finish his degree and is a 2024 graduate of Berklee College of Music. [11] [12]

Career

In April 2023, Frog and Toad released as a series on Apple TV+, in which Evitts was the composer and songwriter. [13] [14] Speaking of Evitts's original song for the show about Ice Cream, in which Tom Kenny sang the lead, Laura Zornosa of Time said, "It’s an earworm song—one that’s easy to imagine kids requesting again and again." [15] In December 2024, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced that Frog and Toad's 2nd season would be nominated for three Emmy Awards: Preschool Animated Series, Music Direction and Composition for an Animated Program, and Editing for a Preschool Animated Program. [16] At the 3rd Children's and Family Emmy Awards, Frog and Toad won the Emmy for Music Direction and Composition. [17]

In 2021, Evitts was a co-writer on the Nas (feat. Blxst) single, "Brunch on Sundays" for the Grammy nominated rap album, King's Disease II . Evitts also recorded on Joey + Rory's RIAA certified Gold selling, Grammy winning album, "Hymns", [18] as well as working with producers Sam Hollander and Josh Edmondson on ten episodes of NBC's Smash , including the Emmy nominated original song, [19] "I Heard Your Voice In a Dream".

Evitts co-wrote additional music with film composer Alex Geringas on the Netflix Animation feature film Arlo the Alligator Boy . He has been an arranger, musician and music producer on several hit television shows, including The Bachelor , Nashville , Blood & Oil , the BBC documentary, Love In A Day, [20] Discovering Lucy Angel, [21] SVT's award winner documentary series Jills veranda , as well as films such as Summer Forever and Finding Your Feet .

In addition to his original compositions and arranging, Evitts was also in the trio, St. Alban consisting of himself, Peter McVeigh of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Andy Dunlop (guitarist for Travis) of Glasgow, Scotland. [22] Their self-titled debut album was BBC Radio's Album of the Week. [23]

Honors

In 2022, Evitts was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Kentucky governor, Andy Beshear. [24] In May 2024, Evitts was inducted into the Paducah Tilghman High School Hall of Fame. [25]

Selected film and television

YearFilm/TV TitleNetwork/DistributorCreditsNotables for Film/TV Series
2024The RuntComposer
  • Dances with Films - Grand Jury Award [26]
  • Indy Film Fest - Best of American Spectrum - Best Narrative Short Film [27]
  • Lonestar Film Festival - Best Short Film [28]
  • Wyoming International Film Festival - Best Screenplay Short Film [29]
Frog and Toad Apple TV+ Series Composer/Songwriter [30] [31] [32] [33] [34]
2023
2021 Arlo the Alligator Boy Netflix Additional Music Composer
2020 Jills veranda (Season 4 [39] ) Sveriges Television Violin, Viola, Mandolin, Arranger
2018Christmas Under The Stars [40] BYU TV String Arranger, String Samples, Engineer [41]
Finding Your Feet Entertainment One Films Roadside Attractions String Arranger, Strings, Engineer [42]
2017Love In A Day [43] BBC One String Arranger, Violins, Viola, Engineer [44]
Jills veranda (Season 3) [45] Sveriges Television Fiddle [46]
2016 The Bachelor (Season 20) American Broadcasting Company (ABC)Mandolin [47]
2015 Jills veranda (Season 2) Sveriges Television Fiddle, Viola, Arranger
Summer Forever Maker Studios String Arranger, Strings, Engineer [48]
Nashville (Season 3) American Broadcasting Company (ABC)Mandolin [49]
Blood & Oil (Season 1) American Broadcasting Company (ABC)String Arranger, Strings, Engineer [50]
2012 Smash (Season 2) NBC String Arrangements, Violins, Violas, Cellos [51] Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, for "I Heard Your Voice In a Dream" [52] [53]
New Year's Eve with Carson Daly NBC String Arranger, Violins, Violas, Engineer [54]
2011Before Vegas, There Was Newport PBS [55] Composer, music director, Music Producer, String Arranger, Violins, Violas, Fiddle, Mandolin, Engineer [56]

Selected discography

YearAlbum/Song TitleArtistCreditsLabelNotables
2023Birthday Cake Dylan Conrique Strings [57] KYN Entertainment
White Buffalo "Horses and Weed" [60] Ian Munsick Fiddle [61] Warner Music Group
Frog and Toad: Season 1 (Apple Original Series Soundtrack) [62] Mark EvittsComposer, Producer Apple TV
2021 King's Disease II

"Brunch on Sundays"

 Nas feat. Blxst Composer Mass Appeal Records
Judas and the Black Messiah The Inspired Album "Revolutionary"G Herbo featuring Bump J Composer RCA Records
2020St. AlbanSt. AlbanComposer, Strings, Mandolin, Engineer
2019 Caught Up in the Country Rodney Atkins Fiddle, Strings [70] Curb Records
2018Wind Sister Hazel String Arranger, Violins, Violas, Engineer Croakin' Poets Records
2017"Shed a Light" (Remixes 2) David Guetta, Robin Schulz, Cheat Codes (DJs), MokitaString Arranger, Strings, Engineer Warner Music Group
2016 Hymns That Are Important to Us Joey + Rory String Arranger, Violins, Viola, Engineer [71] Gaither Music Group
2015 Blow Up the Moon Blues Traveler ft. Jewel (singer), Secondhand Serenade Violins, Violas, Cellos [74] Loud and Proud Records
2013 Waiting for the Dawn The Mowgli's Fiddle, Mandolin, Tenor Guitar [75] Def Jam Recordings
2011 Sunshine State of Mind We the Kings Strings [77] S-Curve Records

Tours

YearArtistTour NameLabelCountries
2018-2019 Rodney Atkins Caught Up In The Country Curb Records
2016-2018 These Are My People
2014-2015
 Caroline Larsson and Music City BandNashville Country NightWeeki Records
2015Nashville Christmas Night
2013-2015Lindsay LawlerHighway Angel
2013-2014Lisa-Marie FischerHolding OnStevja Records
2012-2013Sugar and Salt
2011-2012Introducing Lisa-Marie Fischer
2012-2013 Jaida Dreyer Guy's Girl Streamsound Records
2011 Jimmy Wayne Sara Smile
2010 Trip Lee Between Two Worlds Reach Records
2009-2010 Rodney Atkins It's America Curb Records
2008Cowboy Town (Support for Brooks & Dunn, ZZ Top) [79]

References

  1. ↑ "3rd Annual Children's & Family Final Winners Release - The Emmys" (PDF). theemmys.tv. March 15, 2025. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Mark Evitts Credits". allmusic.com. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  3. ↑ Kerns, William. "Kerns: Country artist Atkins continues to recognize, represent his audience in song". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Having A Blast" (PDF). rodneyatkins.com. Retrieved June 19, 2009.
  5. ↑ "Jaida Dreyer - Credits". artistdirect.com. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
  6. ↑ "Sunshine State Of Mind - We The Kings". allmusic.com. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Making Music Come To Life". Paducah Life Magazine. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  8. ↑ Julia Marley (December 9, 2023). Composer & Songwriter MARK EVITTS Talks Imposter Syndrome + Musical Journey | Behind the Resume Ep41 . Retrieved October 12, 2024– via YouTube.
  9. ↑ "Western Ky. composer wins Children's and Family Emmy for scoring 'Frog and Toad' series". Louisville Public Media. April 8, 2025. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Newport Documentary - Credits". Pantone Canvas. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Mark Evitts: Preparation + Opportunity Equals Success – Musicians vs the World". Irish Podcasts. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  12. ↑ CDICK@PADUCAHSUN.COM, CARLY DICK | The Sun (March 22, 2025). "'It's the music of Paducah': Evitts reflects on journey to his Emmy award". The Paducah Sun. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  13. ↑ Frog and Toad (TV Series) (2023) , retrieved May 5, 2023
  14. ↑ "Frog and Toad faithfully adapts the classic book series [Apple TV+ review] ★★★★★ | Cult of Mac". www.cultofmac.com. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  15. ↑ "How 'Frog and Toad' Was Adapted For TV". Time. April 28, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Apple lands record 29 Children's & Family Emmy Award nominations". Apple TV+ Press. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  17. ↑ Lewis, Hilary (March 16, 2025). "Children's and Family Emmy Awards: 'Percy Jackson,' 'Sesame Street' Universe, 'Orion and the Dark' Among Top Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Rory Feek on Grammy album win, promise to late wife Joey". usatoday.com. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
  19. ↑ "Emmy Nominations - Smash". emmys.com. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  20. ↑ "BBC One - Love In A Day". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
  21. ↑ Dress for Success , retrieved January 16, 2020
  22. ↑ "St Alban". Archived from the original on January 16, 2020 – via PressReader.
  23. 1 2 "BBC Radio Ulster - The Late Show with Eve Blair, 25/02/2020". BBC. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  24. ↑ Musicians vs the World Podcast (August 26, 2023). Mark Evitts: Preparation + Opportunity Equals Success . Retrieved October 12, 2024– via YouTube.
  25. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  26. ↑ Tangcay, Jazz (July 1, 2024). "'Between the Lights' and 'A Little Hope for Chicago' Lead Dances With Films: LA Winners – Film News in Brief". Variety. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  27. ↑ "2024 Indy Film Fest". 2024.indyfilmfest.org. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  28. ↑ Grobar, Matt (December 10, 2024). "Kate Walsh Boards Oscar-Qualified Live-Action Short 'The Runt' As Executive Producer". Deadline. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  29. ↑ "2024". Wyoming International Film Festival. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  30. ↑ Morrow, Maddie (August 3, 2024). "[Interview] Mark Evitts, Songwriter and Composer for Apple TV's 'Frog and Toad'". TEMPLE OF GEEK. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  31. ↑ Burton, Byron (October 5, 2023). "Composer & Songwriter Mark Evitts On Apple TV+'s "Frog And Toad" Animated Adaptation & His Musical Heritage". Awards Focus. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  32. ↑ Jensen, Steffanie (August 31, 2023). "How Networking Led Composer Mark Evitts to Scoring Apple TV's 'Frog and Toad'". Staffmeup Blog. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Interview: "Frog and Toad" Composer Mark Evitts". Lucky Pineapple Films. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  34. ↑ "What It's Like Composing Music for the Classic Stories From My Childhood". nofilmschool.com. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  35. ↑ Local 6, Kat Byars | WPSD (March 16, 2025). "Paducah Public Schools alumni Mark Evitts wins Emmy for music composition". WPSD Local 6. Retrieved March 23, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. ↑ Verhoeven, Beatrice (December 12, 2024). "NATAS Reveals Nominees for 3rd Annual Children's and Family Emmy Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  37. ↑ "The Best Kids' Everything from 2023 | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  38. ↑ "The 2nd Annual Children's & Family Nominees! – The Emmys". theemmys.tv. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  39. ↑ Jills Veranda Nashville (TV Series 2014–2020) - IMDb , retrieved June 23, 2020
  40. ↑ Broadcasting, B. Y. U. "The Band Perry". BYUtv. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  41. ↑ The Band Perry: Christmas Under the Stars (2018) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  42. ↑ Finding Your Feet (2017) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  43. ↑ "BBC One - Love in a Day, Love in a Day, Save Me". BBC. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  44. ↑ "Love in a Day" Episode #1.2 (TV Episode 2017) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  45. ↑ Jills Veranda Nashville , retrieved September 15, 2019
  46. ↑ Jills Veranda Nashville (TV Series 2014–2017) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  47. ↑ "The Bachelor" Episode #20.3 (TV Episode 2016) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  48. ↑ Summer Forever , retrieved September 15, 2019
  49. ↑ "Nashville" Before You Go Make Sure You Know (TV Episode 2015) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  50. ↑ "Blood & Oil" Rocks and Hard Places (TV Episode 2015) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  51. ↑ Smash (TV Series 2012–2013) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  52. ↑ "Songwriter Andrew McMahon Vies for Emmy in the Wake of 'Smash' Cancellation". The Hollywood Reporter. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  53. ↑ Kraus, Brian (July 18, 2013). "Andrew McMahon nominated for Emmy award". Alternative Press. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  54. ↑ "Mark Evitts | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  55. ↑ "Before Vegas, There Was Newport". KET. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  56. ↑ Newport (Video 2012) - IMDb , retrieved September 15, 2019
  57. ↑ Birthday Cake - Dylan Conrique | Album | AllMusic , retrieved October 12, 2024
  58. ↑ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  59. ↑ Aniftos, Rania (October 6, 2022). "Dylan Conrique Talks Working With Max Martin & Success of 'Birthday Cake': 'That Song Has Completely Changed My Life'". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  60. ↑ "Ian Munsick Is Bringing The West To The World With 'White Buffalo' | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  61. ↑ White Buffalo - Ian Munsick | Album | AllMusic , retrieved October 12, 2024
  62. ↑ "Soundtrack Album for Apple TV+'s 'Frog and Toad' Released | Film Music Reporter" . Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  63. ↑ Bandini (November 23, 2021). "Nas, DMX & J. Cole Are 2022 Hip-Hop Grammy Nominees". Ambrosia For Heads. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  64. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  65. ↑ "Top Rap Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  66. ↑ "Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  67. ↑ "Soundtracks Chart". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  68. ↑ "Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  69. ↑ "Billboard Canadian Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  70. ↑ "Caught Up in the Country - Rodney Atkins | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  71. ↑ "Joey + Rory | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  72. ↑ "Joey + Rory's Bittersweet 'Hymns' Debuts at No. 1 on Top Country Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  73. ↑ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  74. ↑ "Blow Up the Moon - Blues Traveler | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  75. ↑ "Waiting for the Dawn - The Mowgli's | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  76. ↑ "The Mowgli's - Chart history | Billboard". www.billboard.com. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  77. ↑ "Sunshine State of Mind - We the Kings | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  78. 1 2 "We the Kings Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  79. ↑ "Brooks & Dunn's Concert & Tour History | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved September 16, 2019.
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