Mark Lowry is a Christian comedian and singer who wrote the lyrics for the Christmas classic “Mary, Did You Know?”. He has a relationship with fellow comedian Chonda Pierce, performed in the Grammy-winning Gaither Vocal Band, grew up in Texas, survived a devastating 1978 car crash, battles ADHD, and has had a 40+ year career in gospel music.
Mark Lowry Siblings, School Struggles and Early Success
Mark Lowry was born in 1958 in Houston, Texas to parents Charles and Beverly Lowry. His parents were married on August 23, 1953. He was one of three children, with an older brother Mike and a younger sister Melissa. He also has 3 nieces and nephews on both Mike and Melissa’s sides of the family.
Lowry spoke openly about having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a child, saying he was a “poster boy” for the condition. He had difficulty sitting still and struggled in school.
While attending Liberty University, Lowry began singing professionally by joining a college evangelistic group. This launched his entertainment career, which would eventually include comedy, music, and songwriting.
After graduating, Lowry started working as a singer at Baptist churches. He later incorporated storytelling and jokes into his performances when there were pauses between songs, realizing audiences responded positively to his humor.
Lowry frequently references his childhood and family stories as material for his comedy acts. He has recorded 12 comedy and music albums over his prolific career.
1978 Car Accident
While on tour with his college evangelistic group in 1978, Lowry was severely injured in a major car accident. He was struck by an oncoming vehicle, leaving him with 11 broken bones.
Lowry spent extensive time going through physical therapy and recovering from his extensive injuries sustained in the crash.
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He has frequently mentioned it was a difficult period in his life. Lowry has highlighted the crash as a major turning point and motivator as he built his career in music and comedy.
Inside Mark Lowry’s Confusing Relationship Journey
Lowry has never been married and does not have children. In a 2009 interview, he indicated he had accepted remaining single, referencing the apostle Paul’s positive perspectives on an unmarried life.
Mark Lowry answered,
“No, I never did get married. You’ve got to learn to live with the cards you’re dealt. (The apostle) Paul was right; there’s something positive about staying single.”
However, Lowry was romantically linked to fellow Christian comedian Chonda Pierce over the years. They were longtime friends who finally began dating in 2015 after Pierce lost her husband David in 2014 to a heart attack.
In 2015, Pierce posted on social media about going on a “first date” with Lowry after 35 years of knowing each other. She shared a photo of them together, nearly kissing, and remarked he was her best friend and they were now a couple.
First date in 35 years!!! My best friend helped me break the ice!! Guess who this handsome man is!??!!?? Yep!! MARK LOWRY!!!!
Source: Chonda‘s Facebook
According to reports, Lowry has dated many women but kept his relationships private. His courtship with Pierce marked one of the first times he was publicly open about his dating life.
The two comedians work together frequently and have great on-stage chemistry. They occasionally post couple-style photos, indicating their relationship has continued since they officially started dating in 2015.
Mark Lowry’s Journey to Gospel Music Stardom and Comdey Industry
Mark Lowry has become an iconic figure in gospel music over his decades-long career. He began making music professionally at just 11 years old, showing early promise.
After college, Lowry inadvertently drifted into comedy during breaks between songs, realizing he could make audiences laugh with storytelling and jokes. This launched his comedy act and helped make him an entertainer who could seamlessly blend humor and music.
In 1984, Lowry co-wrote the immensely popular Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know?” with Buddy Greene. It became a modern holiday classic, recorded by over 400 artists across genres including Reba McEntire, Cee Lo Green, Clay Aiken, Michael English, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna Judd, and The Gaither Vocal Band.
He spent over 20 collective years as the baritone singer with the Grammy-winning Gaither Vocal Band. Lowry also served as the humorous sidekick to Bill Gaither during concerts, videos, and TV specials.
Known for his theological knowledge and outrageous sense of humor, Lowry has released numerous comedy albums, music recordings, and videos over his prolific career. He has demonstrated versatility across Broadway, Hollywood, and gospel styles.
Now a trusted voice in gospel music, Lowry is an entertainer who can evoke laughter, tears, and introspection in audiences. His legacy as a communicator is cemented through his diverse creative works over more than four decades.
Behind the Christmas Classic “Mary, Did You Know?” by Mark Lowry
In 1984, Mark Lowry wrote the lyrics for what would become the hugely popular Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know?”. He was asked to write a script for a church Christmas play and composed the words. Fellow Gaither Vocal Band member Buddy Greene later added music to the lyrics.
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The song has gone on to be recorded by over 400 artists across multiple genres and is considered a modern holiday classic. Lowry’s poignant lyrics imagine Mary being told who her son Jesus will become and the impact he will have.
Mark Lowry’s Iconic Run with the Gaither Vocal Band
Lowry was a longtime fan of gospel legend Bill Gaither before joining Gaither’s band. In 1988, he was surprised when Gaither invited him to join the Gaither Vocal Band as a singer and comedian.
Lowry spent 13 years with the Grammy-winning group during his first stint. His on-stage comedy and antics complemented Gaither’s more serious personality. Lowry became known as the humorous co-host of the band’s concerts, videos, and television specials.
After resigning in 2001, Lowry released several solo albums. In 2009, he rejoined the band with former members David Phelps and Michael English for their reunion tour.
“When I rejoined the Gaither Vocal Band in 2009, I figured it wouldn’t be a long-term commitment since Bill was over 70 years old,” Mark says, adding, “That was nearly five years ago and Bill’s bucket list is wearing me out! But the Vocal Band is a family. We come and we go, but we never REALLY leave. I could pop up anywhere at any time!”
Lowry has said although he didn’t expect another long tenure, he ended up staying nearly 5 more years, crediting the group’s familial atmosphere. He officially retired again in 2013 but has continued to make guest appearances.
Over his career, Lowry has amassed an estimated net worth of $10 million. His songwriting and performances with the iconic Gaither Vocal Band are considered career highlights.
His Trivia
- At just 11 years old, Lowry signed his first record deal with Impact Records, showing his early promise as a musical artist.
- Lowry graduated from Liberty University in 1980, prior to rising to fame as an entertainer.
- In 2015, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his iconic status and contributions to the genre.
- In 2016, he was presented with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award honoring songwriters and composers.
- Over his prolific career, Lowry has released multiple comedy and music albums and DVDs that achieved Gold and Platinum sales levels.
- This includes 4 Gold and 2 Platinum-selling DVDs, demonstrating his crossover commercial appeal and popularity.
Mark Lowry has an active presence on two major social media platforms – Instagram and Twitter
On Instagram, Lowry’s account @marklowry has amassed over 97.4K followers. He frequently posts photos and videos that provide behind-the-scenes looks at his shows, tours, and life as a performer. Fans feel a connection to Lowry through his visual storytelling on the platform.
Lowry also maintains an engaged following on Twitter under the handle @MarkAlanLowry, with over 50.9K followers. His tweets showcase his signature humor and spiritual reflections in a succinct format.