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First Person

The Experience Questionnaire: Marc Cohn

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Marc Cohn, perhaps best known for his 1991 hit “Walking in Memphis,” took a break from touring after he was shot in the head after a concert in Denver in 2005. He’s currently touring with the renowned gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama. Their upcoming album, “Work To Do,” is out August 9.

Where do you come up with your best ideas?  
Walking around the streets of Manhattan.  

What is the best non-material gift you’ve received? 
Birthday wishes from my kids. 

What is the best non-material gift you’ve given? 
My love. 

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced? 
Staying above the ground. 

“When I’m on the road, watching golf—that guarantees a nap will come.”

If you had to choose a different profession, what would you do? 
Therapist or real estate agent. 

What is the most useful mistake you’ve made?  
All my mistakes have been useful. I can’t name one. 

What’s the strangest experience you’ve had? 
Getting shot. 

What opportunity do you regret passing up? 
I guess this is good, but I can’t think of one. 

How do you relax? 
Occasional meditation. And when I’m on the road, watching golf—that guarantees a nap will come. 

If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go? 
Italy or London. 

What is your most indelible childhood memory? 
The death of my parents. 

What’s the most valuable thing you learned in school? 
Grades aren’t everything. 

When you’re stuck how do you get unstuck? 
If I knew, I wouldn’t always feel so stuck. 

What is your proudest moment? 
Becoming a father. 

What would you like to experience before you die?  
Immortality.  

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Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP

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