DAVID B COLE
About David
Musician. Educator. Entertainer. Philanthropist.
Background & Influences
Born and raised in Washington D.C., young David was captivated by the soulful guitar stylings of Curtis Mayfield, Cornell Dupree, and Clarence Carter, as well as the electrifying showmanship of James Brown, whom he heard on the radio and saw live at the Howard Theatre.
While singing in his school’s Glee Club, David borrowed a neighbor’s guitar to emulate the R&B and soul hits of the day. Eventually, he formed his first band after receiving his own instrument from his father, who recognized his gift.
As David began “paying his dues” at local venues, he credits D.C. guitarist Michael Edwards, Omar Mesa (Mandrill), Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and Howlin' Wolf (whose music he heard from his older brother) with expanding his appreciation for the sonic possibilities of the instrument beyond R&B and soul.
As his musicality flourished, David caught the ear of R&B entertainer Little Royal, who recruited him as his guitarist. They toured North America, playing venues from Canada to Florida and all stops in between.
Tired of the road and concerned about his future, David returned home and enrolled at the University of D.C., obtaining his BMED degree in Music Education. He formed a close friendship with local jazz guitarist, the late Jerry Gordon, and became deeply interested in the jazz and blues styles of Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, and Albert King.
As a budding guitarist, David honed his skills performing in the Bobby Felder and Calvin Jones Big Bands, adding new colors to his expanding musical palette. He has performed with Roberta Flack, Archie Bell, The Clovers, The Orioles, Percy Sledge, and The Jewels, and toured Japan with R&B balladeers The Delphonics.
In 2006, David co-founded the group Main Street Blues to further develop and showcase his skills as a vocalist, guitarist, and engaging frontman, paying tribute to the blues' contribution to contemporary music.
When he was asked what music means to him, David replied "I started playing music as a teenager and It was purely for the love and joy it, now I want to share that love and joy with everyone. I want to see people dance, sing, smile and have a good time."
Current Happenings
While maintaining his career as an educator, David remains musically active. He has participated in events such as “Bessie’s Blues Show (A Tribute to Blues Legend Bessie Smith)," the D.C. Blues Society Lecture Series Showcase – “Blues and Its Influences (1950s-1980s),” and the Capital All Stars Big Band.
In February 2015, Main Street Blues headlined the 1st International Blues Festival in Paraguay, while also conducting a series of master classes on “The History of the Blues and the Civil Rights Movement.”
"Urban Blues" is David's first CD release as a featured performer and front-man.
He is now on a new adventure, blending his musical abilities with his passion for education. He frequently donates his time and services to the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center, performing "code songs" from the slavery period as well as other African American-inspired music. Through these performances, he adds flavor and tangibility to the teaching of African American history, enriching the educational experience and preserving the cultural heritage for future generations. Cole’s dedication to this cause is a testament to his belief that music has the power to be meaningful and impactful.
David's love for music has taken him to amazing places and he loves connecting with others to see what is possible. Please consider reaching out.
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