[THE MAN BEHIND THE SOUND] MARK SISSEL – THE UNSUNG HERO OF CHRIS LEDOUX’S LEGACY
Behind the spotlight and the rodeo glitz of Chris LeDoux stood one man who helped shape the raw, unforgettable energy of his music. Not a record executive. Not a producer. But Mark Sissel – a loyal guitarist and road manager who became a silent pillar in Chris’s musical journey.
One Encounter That Changed Everything
In the early 1980s, Chris was seeking a sharper, more powerful live sound. That’s when he met Mark Sissel, a fiery guitarist from Wyoming whose sound was rugged, clean, and undeniably authentic. The moment Chris heard Sissel play during a soundcheck, he reportedly said:
“Whatever you just did — don’t change it. That’s what we’ve been missing.”
Sissel became the spark that revitalized LeDoux’s stage presence, adding edge to the traditional cowboy tunes while preserving their roots.
From Lead Guitarist to Road Manager and Brother
More than just a guitarist, Sissel evolved into Chris’s trusted tour manager, production advisor, and close companion. Together, they toured coast to coast, from rodeo fairs to national stages. During the peak of LeDoux’s career — with albums like Western Underground and Haywire — it was Sissel’s electric solos that breathed new life into each track. Fans might remember the wild guitar riffs, the roaring crowds — but few knew that behind the curtain, Mark was the one keeping it all together.
After Chris Passed — He Kept the Fire Alive
When Chris LeDoux passed away in 2005, the band could’ve faded with him. But Mark Sissel didn’t stop. He joined forces with Ned LeDoux, Chris’s son, helping him build a career while preserving the soul of his father’s music. As both a mentor and musician, Sissel stood behind Ned’s every step, ensuring the cowboy legacy lived on — and evolved.
A Legacy Passed On, One Note at a Time
Mark Sissel never chased the spotlight. But those who’ve ever felt the surge of adrenaline at a Chris LeDoux show have, unknowingly, experienced his magic. He was more than a sideman. He was part of the heart.
Mark Sissel talks so respectfully about what he wishes had been a longer time spent with rodeo’s World Champion and country music’s cowboy hero.