Mark Weigle (born 1967 in Annandale, Minnesota) is a singer/songwriter[1] with at least five albums to his credit. Weigle presents a successful yet positive orientation (and marketing) as a gay writer and musician. At the 2003 Outmusic Awards, Weigle received an unprecedented five Outmusic nominations and won in three categories, including: "Outsong of the Year", "Outstanding New Recording", and "Outstanding Producer".[2]
His debut album of 1998 The Truth Is included low-key compositions in a country/folk style, such as "The Two Cowboy Waltz". His album of 2003, Different and the Same, included adaptations of others' songs, such as "867-5309/Jenny". Written by Alex Call and Jim Keller and originally performed by Tommy Tutone in 1982 (Weigle's version changed the name and gender of the song's subject to "867-5309/Jimmy"), and Joan Baez' 1972 composition "Love Song To A Stranger".
In 2007, emails to Weigle's website yielded the following auto response:
"First, a sincere 'Thank-you' to those who have bought CDs, turned your friends on to the CDs, come to the shows, and offered your kind feedback on the music. Knowing the songs move and inspire people is how I kept at it for 8 years and 6 discs.
I've stopped my music career due to lack of support. I dedicated my muse and my career to the gay world, which seems predominately interested in straight celebrities, pretty 20-year-olds, porn stars and drag queens (take a look at a gay magazine or at who headlines 'Pride' festivals and gay organization fundraisers and you'll see what I mean).
I've paid to record and produce all the CDs on my Visa, and have run every aspect of a record label by myself. I never wanted to be a businessman, and I'm still paying off debt.
Stopping it all has been an extremely painful decision, particularly with another CD written and half recorded. If somehow financing comes along to complete the CD, it will be posted on the website and available from CDBaby.
I will perform by invitation only - terms can be found on markweigle.com [no longer an active website] 'Tour' page and they are non-negotiable.
Again, heartfelt thanks to the folks who have been supportive and sweet. I've started a landscaping biz, and I'm teaching English to day laborers on the streetcorner.
To quote Justin Bond from Shortbus: 'I used to want to change the world. Now I just want to leave the room with a little dignity."