Mark Ledford (1960 – November 1, 2004)[1] was an American trumpet player, vocalist and guitarist.
Ledford was most famous for his multi-instrumentalism, and from his membership in the Pat Metheny Group.[1]
Mark Ledford grew up in Detroit and performed his studies at the Berklee College of Music between 1978 to 1982. After he graduated, Ledford took a job in advertising, while at the same time doing session work with Stephanie Mills, Jon Hendricks, Special EFX, Michael Brecker, Kevin Eubanks, Don Byron, Prince and Bill Evans. Ledford would also later contribute to the soundtracks for the Spike Lee films Mo' Better Blues and Do the Right Thing. In 1986, he began a working relationship with Pat Metheny, appearing live with the Pat Metheny Group and on recordings, such as Secret Story and Still Life (talking).[2] He also worked with Bobby McFerrin's a cappella group, Circle. Between 1990-1992, Ledford taught master classes in trumpet at the Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada.[3] In 1998, he released a solo album, Miles 2 Go, a tribute to Miles Davis.
Ledford died of heart disease in Los Angeles.[1]