(May 19, 2025) Miko Marks remembers her first artistic collaboration with the legendary Rance Allen. “When I was around16 in Detroit, Michigan, I was lucky enough to perform with him in a gospel play called ‘Mama Don’t.’ This was one of my rare stage performances at the time, and to be able to sing with one of the greats of gospel music is a priceless memory.”
Marks has gone one to a career as power packed singer in folk, blues, country and gospel music, but that memory of her work with Rance Allen informs her desire to make music that inspires people. Marks honors the Rance Allen Group with her rendition of “Let The Music Get Down in Your Soul.”
Marks said the tune, which the Rance Allen Group released in 1979, has long been a favorite of hers. Allen was an ordained minister and pastor, and the Rance Allen Group’s incorporation of rock and R&B in their arrangements influenced generations of gospel artists.
That can be heard the band’s treatment of this inspirational song. The band cut soul versions and even had a disco rendition of the tune, and Marks honors that tradition of creativity with her take on “Let The Music Get Down in Your Soul.”
Marks endows “Let The Music Get Down in Your Soul,” with a folksy acoustic swing, accentuated by backing vocals inspired by the gospel choir tradition. The star of the show is Marks powerful and soulful vocals that carry out the mission of delivering the song’s inspirational message of music’s healing force.
Or as Marks herself says, “When I sing this song, I am always able to find the serenity and calm that I need, and I hope the listeners are able to tap into the same.”
By Howard Dukes
