Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Kassa.
Hi Mark, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am an American of Chaldean descent, with roots tracing back to my grandfather’s immigration from Iraq to Detroit in 1929, fleeing religious persecution. My father was born in Detroit, while my mother hails from Iraq. Since 1936, my family has owned and operated businesses in Detroit and its suburbs.
In my teens, my passion for electric guitar ignited after attending a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert in 1985 at Meadowbrook Amphitheater. That summer, seeing Robin Trower at Chene Park and meeting Stevie at a record store deepened my interest. I attended several more of his shows, despite rock guitar being uncommon in my Chaldean culture, which typically emphasizes careers in business, medicine, or law.
After two years at Wayne State University, I moved to Hollywood, CA, to study at the Guitar Institute of Technology at Musicians Institute, founded by Howard Roberts of the Wrecking Crew, a group of studio musicians later inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. There, I had the privilege of jamming with members of some of the world’s greatest bands.
Returning to Michigan, I formed my band, Slight Return, in 1996 as a trio with Mark Dabrowski and my best friend, Alberto Rosal. After our second album, we were offered major label deals from three companies, but I declined, prioritizing my young children over fame.
Tragically, during our third album’s recording, Alberto was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and passed away shortly after. I took a year off before reforming Slight Return. In 2006, we released *Corporate Pig* and began opening for national acts like CCR, Tesla, Grand Funk Railroad, Robin Trower, The Gin Blossoms and Morris Day and the Time at venues such as Pine Knob Music Theater, Freedom Hill Amphitheater, Newport Music Hall, Jimmy John’s Stadium and Sound Board Theater.
Since then, I’ve produced, performed, written, and recorded with artists inducted into the Rock and Roll, Funk, Blues, R&B, and Musicians Hall of Fame. I’m a voting member of the Grammy Awards, have released twelve albums, won “Guitar Player of the Year” twice, “Band of the Year,” and had over 30 songs on the Grammy Awards’ first-round ballot and two on the Latin Grammy’s. Memorable moments include jamming with Ted Nugent, George Clinton, Dennis Chambers, Bernard Purdie, and Tony Lindsay, and serving as music director for consecutive Buddy Miles tribute concerts and Tucker Carlson’s Michigan appearance.
Most rewarding is using my musical talents to support veterans and the disabled as a volunteer and donor music and entertainment director. I serve on the executive board of the DMAN Foundation (Danny’s Miracle Angel Network), Salute Our Warriors, and Middle Eastern America Television, and previously sat on other boards.
This year, I’m releasing my book, *Guitar Graduate*, a guide to becoming a professional guitarist.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been easy. From the highs of receiving record deal offers from major labels to the devastating loss of my best friend, drummer, and vocalist, Alberto Rosal, to cancer in 2004, I faced setbacks that forced me to rebuild the band from scratch. Balancing long work hours with dedicated practice time and navigating the shady side of the music industry added to the challenges. Yet, despite the adversity, the passion for my craft keeps me going. It takes unwavering commitment to push through and make it all work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I craft raw, unapologetic rock and roll with a Detroit edge. Check out tracks like “Welcome to the D,” “The D,” “Hail the Heroes,” “Everyday Heroes,” “Just Win Baby,” “Shake, Move, Groove” and “Resistance” to feel the attitude we bring, carrying forward the gritty tradition of Detroit rock.
What I’m most proud of is that everything I’ve achieved in music, I’ve done solo—no industry connections, no family in the biz, just pure hustle.
Fame or not, I stand by the body of work I’ve built.
My creativity, distinct style, and relentless drive set me apart.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was going to Boblo Island with my family. The boat ride to the Island was as fun as getting on the rides once we got there.
Just as fun was watching cartoons like Bugs Bunny and Droopy
They were innocent, fun times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slightreturn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slightreturnusa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slightreturndetroit/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkassa/
- Twitter: https://x.com/slightreturnusa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SlightReturnUSA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@slightreturnusa1
