Mark Harbin Weiss

Mark Harbin Weiss, Ph.D. died peacefully on Jan 16, 2026, after a long illness. He embodied grace and dignity until the end.

Mark was born in New York City, New York, into a family of accomplished musicians, who early in his life exposed him to many famous performers. His father was a nationally-known bass player in the big band era. Mark fell in love early with Jazz, a passion that was lifelong. He played multiple instruments until he was stricken at the age of 20 with a permanent disabling illness that robbed him of that gift. However, he still had his voice left. He became a jazz scat singer for over 60 years in multiple venues, both in the US and abroad. He continued to perform at international jazz festivals until ten years ago. Over the last 20 years, he continued to perform at Bosco’s in Memphis with Joyce Cobb and a group of wonderful musicians who became dear friends.

Despite his severe physical challenges, he refused to succumb to self-pity and apathy, instead fearlessly devoting his life to advocating for the rights and needs of everyone he met. He pursued an education in Psychology, developing and embracing innovations in psychotherapy, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy for 60 years. He comforted, guided, and counseled countless clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and never stopped learning.

He was a passionate advocate for Civil Rights. He spent 6 months in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1964 to facilitate voting rights and education for the oppressed black population there. He was profoundly honored to have met many of the Civil Rights leaders in that era. He also worked in several prisons to help inmates overcome the challenges of acclimating life after incarceration.

He was a devoted husband to Nancy, embracing her family to become his own, with daughter Sara; grandchildren, Carole, Nicholas, and Hannah; and great-grandchildren Liam and Zoey. He cherished his godson Jamel and his family, proudly declaring Jamel to be his gift of fatherhood. He leaves behind two wonderful nieces, Keri and Lisa, who, although he discovered late in life, came to love deeply. He leaves countless friends who adore him. He was boundlessly loving and beloved.

Mark met his final goal of publishing his memoir last April. Born Naked is a fearless, uplifting, and passionate look at the beauty of being human. He also published a charming children’s poetry book, The Garden Behind Your Eyes, in December. His family is profoundly grateful to the two women who made these possible, Jocelyn, the editor and illustrator of the garden behind your eyes, and Elaine who edited the memoir. Both books are available on Amazon.

Mark said, “We are all innocent children of God.” That was his gift – to step into a family, into a movement, into a lifetime of service, leaving a warmth that will not fade.

Go hug someone for him.