MD Stokes

MD Stokes—born Marlon D. Stokes—is a musical visionary whose journey stretches from Colia, Mississippi and Augusta, Georgia to stages across the world. Raised in a military family, he absorbed global cultures and sounds early on, fueling the unique musical lens he carries today. Self-taught from 13 and driven by an unshakeable pursuit of excellence, he built his foundation on musicianship, theory, and relentless creativity.

Now based in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Stokes moves fluidly through jazz, pop, country, R&B, and especially gospel—the genre that grounds his purpose. Influenced by icons like Stevie Wonder and Richard Smallwood, he has become a sought-after songwriter, arranger, and producer with a voice that honors both traditional and contemporary gospel.

His collaborations with Pastor Jimmy Hicks, James Fortune, Keith “Wonder-Boy” Johnson, and others have solidified him as a trusted creative force. As a hitmaker for Blacksmoke Worldwide, he continues to deliver impactful, charting music. His global footprint includes Japan, Korea, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Amsterdam, Israel, and Italy—Japan remaining a special creative home.

Stokes’ “He’s A Wonder Remix,” produced with Doneya Goodman and featuring Redd Smiff, marked a fresh creative chapter—and the evolution keeps expanding.

This season, he introduced Stoked, a vibrant jazz release from the MD Stokes Orchestra—a full-bodied experience that opened the door to new sonic textures while staying rooted in his gospel foundation. Now, with Still Stoked, that sound goes even further—richer, more expressive, and fully in stride. The project builds on that momentum with music that stretches, grooves, and speaks, led by standout moments like “More” and “Joy of the Lord.”

Alongside this, he released HBD Jesus, a joyful 7-track maxi-single built around an uplifting celebration anthem destined to echo through holidays and church communities.

These releases mark the next wave of Stokes’ artistry—bold, intentional, and continually expanding his musical reach. With more music already in motion, he’s positioning 2026 to be one of his most impactful years yet.

The journey continues. The sound grows. And MD Stokes is still stoked.