Mark Heard was a singer/songwriter/producer who recorded his first album in 1970. From that time until his passing in 1992 he shared his life and music with everyone he encountered or who listened and made an impact on both the religious and secular music industries. Hammers & Nails is his story as told by his friends and family. For an extended Bio of Mark Heard visit the Mark Heard Tribute Site.

Matthew Dickerson had known Mark Heard since 1985. In 1990 Mark approached him about writing a book like this one and they actually shopped it to various publishers without success. Since February of 2001, Matt has labored on this book--collecting interviews from close friends and family members, flying all over the country and then coming home to transcribe hours of interviews (often with the help of generous students) and knit them into the intricate tapestry of dialogue that became this book. In the first year of the books development, Matt signed over all royalties to Janet Heard.

Dan Russell worked with Mark Heard for the last fifteen years of his life and co-produced his last three albums. After Mark's passing, Dan managed Fingerprint for another ten years. Dan contributes the Foreword to this book.

Janet and Rebecca Heard are Mark's wife and daughter. Janet sang backing vocals on a number of Mark's albums and during their years together served as Mark's inspiration and vitality. Much is made of Rebecca's birth and early years in the book. It was very apparent to Mark's friends and family that Rebecca changed Mark's outlook on life and also served as inspiration. Janet and Rebecca both provided photographs. Rebecca shared excerpts from the diary Mark wrote just for her. Janet contributes the Afterword to this book.

Mark's mom Jean and sister Susan also got involved, providing interviews and pictures.

Chuck Long and Pat Terry were relied on heavily in the book for critical details on what Mark was like, how he thought, and what formed him as an individual. Chuck is an anesthesiologist and Pat Terry is still writing and singing.

Randy Stonehill and Tom Howard share some of the most touching stories in the book. Both of these men have been faithful stewards within the christian music industry for the last thirty years.

Buddy and Julie Miller, Phil Madeira, Bill Mallonee, John Austin, Pierce Pettis, and many others contributed to the book. (I wish I could list them all. None are less important.) For their contributions we are very grateful.

Hammers & Nails:
The Life and Music of Mark Heard
by Matthew Dickerson.
Order the Book here.