Marilyn Rakes Music

HI everyone!

My name is Marilyn! Music has always been a part of my life. I am so happy to share it with you!

I play mandolin, guitar, electric bass and keyboard. I am currently a member of The Bear Pickins Band, and I also love to join in on the occasional jam session, stop in and sing some Karaoke from time to time and show up and play at open mic's with my husband Dave. He and I have been singing and playing music together for 25 years and I am looking forward to many more years to come.     

I have to credit my parents, Bud and Mary, with any musical ability I may have inherited. My Dad was a singer songwriter and Mom had the voice of an angel. As a young girl I can remember singing along with the Saturday afternoon musicals on TV, imagining myself up on the stage. Mom and I would often sit on the front porch and sing songs well into the evening. My Dad unfortunately passed away when I was only 5 months old, but his songwriting lives on inside of me. I am always jotting down thoughts for songs and have actually recorded a handful of them. Growing up the youngest of three, I listened to music from all genres. Oldies, Rock n Roll, Jazz and Country formed my foundation. Discovering Bluegrass and Gospel music later in life, I fell in love with a new style. From singing a solo on stage at school when I was in Kindergarten to playing on a submarine, and a train, and at various festivals and venues with the band, I can honestly say I've had a blast! And I'm excited to do more!

My new endeavor.....Legacy.....is a project I've had on my heart for a long time.  Songs, including the first single - You Can't Take The Raisin' Outta This Girl - will pay tribute to my upbringing.  A tribute to my Dad, a song for my Mom, another song, Back Then, will highlight my hometown, and there will be more surprises too. 

I encourage you to come along with me on this musical journey.   Join the mailing list to be kept up to date!