As a songwriter Elliott has penned hits which reached the Billboard Top Forty charts, notably "Every Man for Himself" for Neal McCoy (US Country No.
A debut album (Common Ground, 1988) and a last minute opening act for Tom Paxton lit the fire of the young writer, leading him to Nashville and a publishing deal with Cherry Lane Music.
Buoyed by wins in singer-songwriter contests at major festivals across the country Elliott began to build a reputation for standout live performances.
Mark's debut solo album, Common Ground on the West Texas East label was recorded in the Washington, DC suburbs and released in 1988.
It was Common Ground that first attracted he attention of the legendary Tom Paxton and ultimately lead to Mark's move to Nashville, TN in 1990.
The year 2000 brought Elliott back to a solo career and a successful new CD, My Great Escape, featuring a duet with Tom Paxton (Stars in Their Eyes).
Described as an easy blend of folk and country with pop and jazz,[3] the album was an Americana Chart's top 70 CD and its songs were played on commercial and public radio programs across the United States and abroad.
American Road attracted vocal collaborations from luminaries Don Henry (Grammy Award-winning songwriter) and Jonell Mosser (renowned vocalist who has sung with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, B.B.
Elliott's guitar and voice, coupled with the likes of IBMA winner Jim Hurst, National finger-picking champion Pete Huttlinger and Americana divas The McCrary Sisters, make for a strong and genuine delivery of captivating stories.