Mark McGuinn, country singer known for ‘Mrs. Steven Rudy,’ dies at 58

Country singer Mark McGuinn, best known for his 2001 hit "Mrs. Steven Rudy," died Oct. 26 at 58, according to his obituary.

The Details

The Greensboro, North Carolina, native pursued music in Nashville after an injury ended his professional soccer career.

McGuinn is survived by his two children, his mother and four siblings. His obituary did not disclose a cause of death.

Country singer Mark McGuinn, known for his 2001 hit "Mrs. Steven Rudy," died Oct. 26, according to his obituary. He was 58.

The obituary did not disclose a cause of death.

The backstory

The Greensboro, North Carolina, native moved to Nashville after an injury ended his soccer career, eventually landing a recording deal with VFR Records.

His debut single, "Mrs. Steven Rudy," became the first Top 10 country hit by a new independent-label artist in more than 40 years, according to his obituary. His self-titled debut album followed in 2001.

Born Aug. 19, 1968, McGuinn grew up in Greensboro with three brothers and a sister. He attended Grimsley High School, where he played soccer and trumpet in the jazz band. His early interest in jazz later influenced his music.

McGuinn earned a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, where he played midfield for the Mountaineers. After graduating, he briefly played professional soccer for the Greensboro Dynamo before an injury led him to pursue music in Nashville alongside longtime friend Bill Davidson.

His obituary described him as kind, creative and easygoing, with an enduring devotion to his two children, Ella Rose and Charlie.

Dig deeper

McGuinn is survived by his children; their mother, Dr. Stacey M. McGuinn; his mother, Eleanor T. McGuinn; his sister, Terri McGuinn Thomas; and his brothers, Jack, Scott and Kirk McGuinn. His father, Jack Hamilton McGuinn Sr., preceded him in death.

A celebration of life was scheduled for Nov. 8 at Christ United Methodist Church in Greensboro.

What you can do

The family requested memorial donations to the MusiCares Foundation, which helps music professionals in need, or to Christ United Methodist Church.

The Source

Information in this story came from Mark McGuinn’s obituary, which provided details about his death, upbringing, education, soccer and music careers, surviving family members and memorial arrangements. This story was reported from Los Angeles.