Marcus Sanders

Marcus Sanders (born 17 September 1973; Waco, Texas) is an American R&B singer and a founding member of the platinum-selling quintet Hi-Five. Celebrated for his baritone vocals and harmonic contributions, Sanders was instrumental in defining the "New Jack Swing" sound that dominated early 1990s urban radio. Alongside late frontman Tony Thompson, he helped propel the group to international stardom with a string of Billboard hits, including the chart-topping anthem "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)". Today, Sanders remains a guardian of the group's legacy, actively performing and recording as a core member of the reformed lineup.

Early Life

Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Sanders initially focused his youthful energy on athletics rather than music. His entry into the entertainment industry was catalysed by his uncle's involvement with the musical group Adore, whose member William Walton would later write and produce for Hi-Five. Sanders was childhood friends with Tony Thompson and Roderick "Pooh" Clark, a connection that proved vital when the aspiring singers decided to form a vocal harmony group in their hometown. Although he did not originally view himself as a lead vocalist, his deep, resonant tone provided the essential bottom-end harmony that became a signature element of Hi-Five's rich, multi-part vocal arrangements.

Career

Sanders' professional breakthrough came when Hi-Five signed to Jive Records in late 1989. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1990, was a commercial juggernaut, certified Platinum by the RIAA and spawning the number-one hit "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)" and the top-ten ballad "I Can't Wait Another Minute". Following the release of their Gold-certified sophomore album Keep It Goin' On (1992) and third album Faithful (1993), the group disbanded in 1994. After a long hiatus and the tragic passing of lead singer Tony Thompson in 2007, Sanders reunited with fellow original member Treston Irby to reform Hi-Five in 2012. The revitalised group released new material, including the singles "Favorite Girl" and the 2015 ballad "Different Kiss", while touring extensively to reconnect with their global fanbase.

Personal Life

Throughout his career, Sanders has navigated the extreme highs of global fame and the profound lows of personal tragedy, including the deaths of groupmates Tony Thompson and Roderick "Pooh" Clark. He has frequently spoken about these experiences in interviews, positioning himself as a steward of the group's history and a mentor to younger artists. His public persona is defined by his dedication to preserving the "Hi-Five" brand, ensuring that the group's contributions to R&B history are not forgotten. He maintains a close connection to his roots in Waco, often engaging with the local community that supported the group's early rise.

Current Activities

At present, Marcus Sanders remains active within his genre. As of 2026, he continues to promote the group's catalogue through various media appearances, including a featured interview on the Halftime Chat podcast where he discussed the New Jack Swing era. Musically, he has embraced cross-genre experimentation, recently engaging with a "Country R&B" remix of their classic hit "I Like the Way". In February 2026, he collaborated with emerging artist Terrance Reed on the single "KOLD", a project highlighted during a Black History Month spotlight that underscored Sanders' ongoing influence on the next generation of R&B talent.