IVOX RADIO Presents ● An Interview with Mark Kendall of Great White

Great White ● Capitol Records 1989 photo credit Doug Hyun / IVOX MEDIA collection

Great White was founded in 1977 in Los Angeles, California, by guitarist Mark Kendall. The band became one of the most prominent acts in the 1980s and early 1990s, blending bluesy hard rock with melodic hooks and powerful vocals. Their rise to fame was fueled by Kendall’s inventive guitar work and the group’s ability to craft memorable songs that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Mark Kendall, born on April 29, 1957, in Los Angeles, was inspired by legendary guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page. Kendall began playing guitar as a teenager, honing his craft by performing in local clubs and jam sessions. His distinctive style, combining bluesy phrasing with hard rock riffs, became the cornerstone of Great White’s sound. Kendall met vocalist Jack Russell in the late 1970s, and the two began collaborating, forming the nucleus of the band that would eventually become Great White.

The band took its name from Kendall’s nickname, inspired by his platinum blond hair and love of sharks. Great White gained attention in the Los Angeles music scene with their energetic live performances and self-released EPs. Their debut album, Great White (1984), showcased their raw energy and blues-infused hard rock, earning them a loyal following.

Great White’s breakthrough came with their third album, Once Bitten… (1987), which included hits like “Rock Me” and “Save Your Love.” Kendall’s intricate guitar work and the band’s knack for balancing hard rock anthems with ballads made the album a commercial and critical success. The follow-up, …Twice Shy (1989), solidified their status as rock icons, driven by the hit single “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” a cover of Ian Hunter’s classic song. The album went multi-platinum, and Great White became a staple on MTV and rock radio.

Throughout the 1990s, Great White continued to tour and release music, adapting to the changing music landscape while staying true to their blues-rock roots. Albums like Hooked (1991) and Psycho City (1992) demonstrated the band’s versatility and Kendall’s enduring talent as a guitarist and songwriter.

Once Bitten ● Great White

Once Bitten is the third studio album by Great White released on June 17, 1987, by Capitol Records. The album became a commercial success, selling more than one million copies and being certified Platinum in April 1988. The song "Rock Me" became a hit single, charting in September 1987, and is one of Great White's best known songs. The song "Save Your Love" also charted, becoming their most famous power ballad at the time, in February 1988.

Mark Kendall’s leadership has been integral to Great White’s longevity. Even as the band underwent lineup changes over the years, Kendall remained the steady creative force, keeping the group’s signature sound alive. His passion for blues-based rock and commitment to authentic musicianship have earned him respect among peers and fans alike.

Today, Great White continues to tour and record new music, showcasing the enduring appeal of their classic rock sound. Mark Kendall’s contributions to the band and the broader rock genre have left a lasting legacy, ensuring that Great White remains a vital part of rock and roll history.

IVOX RADIO Presents ● An Interview with Mark Kendall of Great White today at 5pm hosted by Louie Comella, on KWXY Music Radio ● 92.3FM 1340AM ● streaming at kwxy.com and on IVOX+ ivoxplus.com