Listeners ‘Keep on Steppin’’ to Macon musician’s R&B

Mike Clark Jr. is stepping into the musical spotlight with his soulful blend of blues and R&B, but the rising star hasn’t forgotten his Macon roots.

A few years ago, Clark juggled jobs at Applebee’s and McDonald’s. Macon residents could catch a glimpse of him singing melodies in the drive-thru.

Clark grew up in East Macon singing with his mom and sister. He played football for Northeast High School before trading the pigskin and helmet for a microphone and cowboy hat.

Now the Macon singer is touring the country — performing for fans in Texas, New York, Virginia, Florida and across the Southeast.

“It feels real good just to see my song traveling all over the world,” he said, having toured for two and a half years. “Getting love from people that don’t even know you — it’s a different feeling.”

Clark began making TikToks while bored at work as something he was only doing for himself. 

In 2022, he caught viewers’ attention in a video of him belting out the smooth notes of “Lovers and Friends” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz in an empty parking lot. 

The video garnered 1.6 million views and helped solidify his ascent into the world of soul and R&B. 

The music videos for his songs “Slow Roll It” and “Keep on Steppin’” have each garnered roughly half a million views on YouTube, and more than 1,500 dance videos featuring one of Clark’s first songs, “Auntie Outside,” have been posted to TikTok.

At just 20 years old, Clark isn’t discouraged by those who judge him for his age, instead, taking a page from his own lyrics: “They don’t like it but Imma keep on steppin.”

He grew up listening to blues music and takes inspiration from R&B musician King George. A video of him singing King George’s “Too Long” attracted more than 2 million views on TikTok.

Clark is keenly aware of the Macon-grown talent that came before him. Several musical icons who shaped Southern rock and soul also called Macon home, including legends such as Otis Redding and Little Richard. 

“They started it, so we gotta keep it going,” Clark said about continuing their legacy.

In between recording sessions in the studio and a hectic touring schedule that keeps him on the road, Clark still finds time to come home.  He has family in Macon and said he wants to be able to provide for them. 

Clark also wants to keep giving back to the community that raised him.

He recently hosted “Steppin’ at the Park” a kids’ line dancing class and cookout at Carolyn Craton Park. He also shot scenes for an upcoming music video at the skatepark.

Following his return to Macon, Clark hit the road again, headed for South Carolina, Alabama and back to Georgia. 

He released a new single “Stay Right There” on April 18 with Southern soul artist BIG BO, which he described as a song he’d listen to while cruising down the street with the seat laid back.

The Macon artist recently performed at the Pan African Festival hosted by The Tubman African American Museum and plans to perform in Jamaica in June. He hinted at the release of a new album around Labor Day.