Mark Donan Gormley (May 7, 1957 – May 24, 2024) was an American singer-songwriter from Pensacola, Florida,[1] who achieved internet fame for his music videos on YouTube.
His musical influences included Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Rush, James Taylor, Jimi Hendrix, and Boston.
[8] The videos are characterized by their frequent use of green screen effects, local scenery and, quite often, comedic or dramatic story lines.
[11] The award signified Gormley becoming the first artist in The Uncharted Zone's history to have a music video surpass one million views on YouTube.
[3] The "Little Wings" music video includes footage of seagulls in flight, as Gormley sings in front of ocean scenes.
[21] "Gray Days" and "Little Wings" were featured on the website of Seattle-based newspaper The Stranger, who argued that although the quality of Gormley's videos had garnered him much of the initial attention, "what really should be considered is his music, for all the right reasons, as credit is due...his voice and his song writing certainly shoot for the realms of greatness" adding that "his song writing and voice approach the league of rock's finest angelic singers", comparing his vocals to Jon Anderson, Bryan MacLean, and Tim Buckley.
[22] The music video for "Stars" shows Gormley performing the song while backed by footage of the night sky and the beaches of Perdido Key, Florida.
[26] Alternative culture magazine Coilhouse called the track "an honest, well-crafted song" and noted Gormley's "soulful voice".
[6] Pensacola News Journal described the music video as "a frenetic mix of Gormley, scenic backdrops and a lovely young lady".
Mark never cared about being a celebrity, but the interest was there.”[10] In January 2011, "Without You" was featured on truTV's The Smoking Gun Presents: World's Dumbest Performers #6.
[31] Commentators on the music video included actor Daniel Baldwin, comedian Loni Love, and writers Billy Kimball and Michael Loftus.
[31] Loni Love criticized Gormley's choice of clothing, whereas Michael Loftus commented "you don't expect him to have a golden throat like that".
[31] In September 2012 and January 2013, "Without You" was featured on the Channel 4 television program Rude Tube, including an interview with Phil Thomas Katt.
[33] Gormley opted to receive no money from the product placement deal, giving all revenue to The Uncharted Zone to help them during the difficult economy.