Only a select few drummers can boast major TV show appearances, endorsements
with well-known percussion manufacturers, and the admiration of more experienced
peers. Even fewer can lay claim to this by the age of four.
Now just eleven-years-old, Cole Marcus is impressing worldwide audiences and
the entertainment industry with his amazing talent. His precocious drumming
skills, songwriting, and vocal abilities have garnered appearances on countless
TV and radio shows, not to mention feature articles in DrumPro, DRUM!,
and Modern Drummer magazines. Cole can also be seen on several TV
commercials, including a national spot for Life cereal.
Cole is, however, a drummer and musician first. At just three years-of-age,
he was called up to the drum kit by the legendary Dave Weckl at one of his drum
clinics. Cole proceeded to wow the audience and Weckl alike.
By the age of four, Cole was offered endorsements with Mapex drums and
Zildjian cymbals and had signed with
BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.). This made him the youngest person to ever
land an artist endorsement and the youngest songwriter in history to sign with
BMI.
Since then, Cole has signed with Vic Firth, Factory Metal
Percussion, and Phat Foot. A highlight of Cole’s year is his annual
appearance at the NAMM show, where many of these companies invite him to perform
and sign autographs alongside the best drum artists in the industry.
Cole has also gone on to put his musical talents to work. He is currently
writing music for his upcoming album and has been working and performing with
jazz great David Benoit, and several other mainstream jazz artists. Additionally, Cole continues to headline concerts internationally.
Clearly, the pride of Cole’s accomplishments at a young age is his humility
and compassion. He recently returned from a tour in Japan benefiting
handicapped children.
Cole also donates his time annually to the
Jonathan Jaques Celebrity Torch
Run, where celebrities come together to celebrate the lives of children
who have cancer or rare blood diseases.
Cole has aspired to many things at a young age, but at the end of the day, he
is a typical eleven-year-old. He is home-schooled and loves playing with his
friends. He also loves going to his church, where he often sits in and takes his
Dad’s place in the gospel band.
Cole is inspired by every style of music and is continually progressing in
his own unique style and abilities. His interpretation and phrasing are
unparalleled and, like his drumming, are an inspiration to see and hear. His
songwriting, arranging, and creativity defy his age.
