By Jantina Baksteen
Beyond the Song: Jimmy Reno of Mark 209 Mark209 has carved out their own unique niche in Christian music, featuring a country sound and look, complete with cowboy boots and “Hillbilly Haircuts,” one of their popular songs. However, they have strong quartet harmony which harkens back to Southern gospel music as well. The four men, Jimmy Reno, Nathaniel Justice, Jim Howe, and Joe Armstrong, also have a piano/guitar player, Joshua Pope. Mark209 has a strong showing on the SGNScoops radio charts. Their latest release to radio, “My Last Day Here,” is one that really touched the heart of singer Jimmy Reno. Jantina Baksteen talks to Reno in this edition of Beyond the Song. Jantina Baksteen: Mark209 is releasing the third song from your latest album, “Thumbprint,” to radio. The single is entitled “My Last Day Here,” and you are featured on this release. Does this song mean anything in particular to you? Jimmy Reno: It is a very personal song for me. The song was written by country songwriter Tom Botkin, who has written some amazing songs, like “Bonfire” for Craig Morgan. It tells the story of Heaven. Our last day here will be our first day with Jesus. Verse two discusses a husband losing his wife after 60 years of marriage. My parents were married for 61 years when my dad passed away a few months ago. So the song re-
ally took on a new meaning for me after that. I also lost my brother a few years back. We all have lost people we love but we know we will see them again. JB: How was your relationship with your father and brother? JR: I come from a very close family. My dad was a gifted musician and always used his talents for the Lord. I was close with my brother until the later years of his life. He struggled with alcohol addiction. JB: How has this affected your faith, your life and ministry? JR: Losing them has strengthened my faith as I’ve relied on the Lord for peace. From a ministry standpoint it serves to remind me of why I sing: the hope of reaching others with a life-changing message. JB: How does this affect you standing on stage and delivering this song? JR: When we perform this song, I always think of my loved ones who have gone on. I hope that emotion comes across in the song for the audience. It’s a beautiful song with powerful lyrics. JB: What is the crowd response like for “My Last
