Marc Anthony Thompson is a celebrated Panamanian-American singer-songwriter known for his deep, emotional storytelling and genre-blending music. He rose to fame with his musical project Chocolate Genius Inc, earning critical acclaim for albums that mix R&B, jazz, and folk. As a composer and performer, he has\ 

collaborated with top artists and contributed scores to films and theatre. Marc Anthony Thompson | Hit Songs, Wife & NetWorth explores not only his musical journey but also his personal life, including his relationship with photographer Kate Sterling and his famous daughter, actress Tessa Thompson.

Marc Anthony Thompson Bio

Profile Attribute	Details
Full Name	Marc Anthony Thompson
Stage Name	Chocolate Genius
Date of Birth	September 16, 1968
Age (as of 2025)	56 years old
Place of Birth	Panama
Nationality	American
Profession	Singer-songwriter, Composer, Musician
Genres	R&B, Jazz, Folk, Soul
Known For	Chocolate Genius Inc, Emotional Storytelling, Film Scores
Famous Albums	Black Music, GodMusic, Swansongs, Truth vs. Beauty
First Album	Marc Anthony Thompson (1984)
Active Years	1982 – Present
Spouse/Partner	Kate Sterlin (Photographer)
Children	Tessa Thompson (Actress), Zsela Thompson (Singer)
Awards	Obie Award for Sound Design (A Huey P. Newton Story, 1997)
Estimated Net Worth	Around $1 Million (as of 2025)
Notable Collaborations	Bruce Springsteen, Ani DiFranco, Meshell Ndegeocello, Andrew Bird
Residence	Los Angeles, California

Who is Tessa Thompson’s Father, Marc Anthony Thompson?

Marc Anthony Thompson grew up with a deep love for music long before his daughter, Tessa Thompson, hit the Hollywood scene. Born on Sept 16, 1968 in Panama, he later moved to California, where he discovered his voice as an eclectic R&B and jazz singer-songwriter. He formed the collective known as Chocolate Genius Inc, and his soul-filled vocals and poetic lyrics became his trademark. He wrote songs with emotional depth and unforgettable melodies, drawing in fans who appreciated his honest storytelling.

You can feel his influence in Tessa’s work, too. She’s carried that same creative flame into blockbuster films like Selma and Thor. Their bond stretches beyond family—it spans art, narrative, and shared imagination. As her father, Marc brought his powerful storytelling and musical integrity into her upbringing. This rich artistic environment helped shape her identity in the Hollywood spotlight.

Earlier Life and the Beginning of Chocolate Genius

Marc Anthony Thompson’s early years felt like a mosaic of musical experiences. His childhood soundscape included Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, and Bob Dylan, and he idolized jazz great Charlie Parker. He first learned the flute, then switched to saxophone, hoping someday to bring the same emotional punch as his heroes. Music wasn’t just a hobby it became his life’s purpose.

In the mid-1980s, Marc moved from Panama to Los Angeles and plunged into the music industry. He signed with Warner Music Group and released his debut album, Marc Anthony Thompson in 1984, followed by Watts & Paris in 1989. Around this time, he formed The B‑Boys, then evolved that into the Chocolate Genius ensemble. With this collective, he merged jazz, folk, soul, and experimental R&B, creating a sound uniquely his own.

Career Points

Marc’s career spans decades, crossing genres and mediums. From his 1984 debut, he built an impressive portfolio with albums like Black Music (1998), GodMusic (2001), Black Yankee Rock (2005), Swansongs (2010), and Truth vs. Beauty (2016). Each record reflects a different evolution in his composition and style, showing his skill as an artist and vocalist.

He also collaborated with top talents like Andrew Bird, Ani DiFranco, and Meshell Ndegeocello. In 2006, he joined Bruce Springsteen’s Sessions Band tour, performing acoustic guitar and backing vocals, an impressive testament to his versatility. Whether scoring films like American Splendor (2003) and Twin Falls Idaho (1999), or producing indie theater scores, his instrumentation, sound design, and lyrics consistently earned praise.

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Scores and Achievements

Marc’s work has earned both critical acclaim and award recognition. In 1997, he won an Obie Award for his outstanding sound design in the theatrical piece A Huey P. Newton Story. His talent shines through in scores for films such as Urbania (2000), Rodney King (2017), and Everyday People (2004). His cover of “Julia” by the Beatles, featured on the I’m Sam (2001) soundtrack, added emotional power to a beloved film.

By 2025, his independent catalog has drawn attention worldwide, his monthly streams on Spotify top 27K+, showcasing a loyal fanbase that treasures his soulful voice and theatrical ensemble work. Critics especially praise his emotional honesty and lyrical complexity, calling his tracks deep dives into love, memory, and cultural identity.

Marc Anthony Thompson’s Songs and First Album

Marc released his first album, Marc Anthony Thompson in 1984, blending acoustic, jazzy, and heartfelt soundtracks. He followed it up with Watts & Paris in 1989, building a reputation for creating soul-laced tracks and telling stories through melody. With Chocolate Genius, he expanded his palette: Black Music (1998) offered spiritual lyrics, GodMusic (2001) had powerful gospel influences, and Black Yankee Rock (2005) injected raw energy into every song.

Later albums like Swansongs (2010) and Truth vs. Beauty (2016) continue that journey, fusing folk, poetry, and R&B into cinematic arrangements. Standout songs “Half A Man,” “I Remember Everything,” “Dog In The Road,” and “Happy Time” combine heartfelt introspection with smooth instrumentation, weaving themes of love, identity, and personal growth.

Marc Anthony Thompson Net Worth

By 2025, Marc Anthony Thompson’s net worth stands around $1 million, accumulated through album sales, streaming royalties, tours, and composition gigs. He has also generated income from scoring films, theatrical productions, and retaining creative control over his trademark ensemble, Chocolate Genius Inc. While millions don’t always match creative impact, his adaptive career and smart ownership of musical rights have kept him financially sound.

At the same time, he remains private about his finances. In an industry known for major swings, retaining independence and owning rights offers real value

 even if his wealth stays modest compared to mainstream pop giants.

Personal Life, Family, and Daughter Tessa Thompson

Marc maintains a reserved personal life outside the spotlight. He’s in a long-term relationship with photographer Kate Sterlin, and they have two daughters: actress Tessa Thompson and singer-songwriter Zsela Thompson. The family lives quietly in Los Angeles, and despite Marc’s public career, he keeps much of his private life shielded from fame.

He played an important role in nurturing Tessa’s artistic growth. She followed in his footsteps, blending creativity and purpose in her acting roles. Marc’s own personal story growing up in New York, moving to California, and shaping his identity through music mirrors the journey he quietly shared with his daughters.

Some Lesser Known Facts About This Musical Legend

Before Chocolate Genius was a globally respected name, Marc started his musical journey with an underground collective in the 1980s. He initially pursued jazz, hoping to echo the sound of Charlie Parker. His first band, The B‑Boys, transformed into the broader Chocolate Genius Inc collective focused more on folk, R&B, and layered drama than strict jazz.

He also scored the film Next Stop Wonderland (1998) and has avoided flashy social media, letting his music speak. His scarcity online adds to his mystique and highlights his focus on artistic integrity over fame. Recognized in New York’s creative circles, his work earned respect for its emotional weight and fearless experimentation.

Final Words

Marc Anthony Thompson stands as a quiet creative force in American R&B, jazz, and folk music. His trajectory from Panama to California, jazz dreams to film score shows how musical talent and story can leave a lasting mark. For U.S. listeners, streaming hit songs by Chocolate Genius or diving into emotional scores offers an immersive glimpse into his rich musical life.

He’s more than “Tessa Thompson’s father.” He’s a storyteller, an innovator, a composer, and a proud father. Take some time to explore albums like Black Music, GodMusic, and Swansongs, or revisit the heartfelt depth behind his best tracks. You might find your next favorite song in his creative catalog.

Conclusion

Marc Anthony Thompson | Hit Songs, Wife & Net Worth reflects the inspiring journey of a soulful artist, loving father, and musical innovator. From his early days in Panama to becoming the creative force behind Chocolate Genius Inc, Thompson’s impact on R&B, jazz, and folk is undeniable. Beyond his chart-worthy songs and compelling scores, his personal life and role as Tessa Thompson’s father add depth to his story. With a rich legacy, acclaimed discography, and lasting influence, Marc Anthony Thompson continues to resonate with audiences across generations and genres.