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Marvin F. Cockrell has devoted his entire life to music. He began his career
as a young child. Influenced by the sounds of Sonny Stitts, Oscar Peterson
and Ramsey Lewis echoing off his father's record player,he became
immersed in music, which continued throughout his life. At the age of 13 he
organized his first band in his garage. He went on to study band in high
school and received a bachelor's degree in music at Western Illinois
University in 1978. During college he studied saxophone, but eventually
went back to his passion-the piano. Marvin received his master's degree in
music in 1979 and subsequently taught music in the East St. Louis, IL
school district, ushering many students into the field of music.
In 1982, Marvin F. Cockrell joined his life-long friend and former band
member, Dr. Seth J. Brownridge, who had become a well known practicing
pediatrician in the St. Louis area. After listening to the brilliant talent of his
long time friend the two set out to share Marvin's music with the world. This
culminated in a band called "Breeze". This band became popular in the St.
Louis area in the 1980's and under Marvin's leadership shared the stage
with heavy hitters like Will Smith, Dennis Edwards and The Fat Boys. They
also traveled regionally to venues like Chicago, Kansas City and Mississippi
where they delighted the stages of private parties.
Marvin has never left or forgotten his Gospel roots. He has been a strong
fixture in the St. Louis Church community for over 24 years and currently
serves as pianist and organist at Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church. As
one of the musicians for the Progressive National Baptist Convention in the
summer of 2002, he was recorded on a Gospel CD compilation.
Marvin's style of music has no boundaries. Just as easily as he captivates
his audience with R&B, Blues and Jazz, he has the same lasting effect when
he performs Easy Listening tunes at area country clubs. His multi-talents
have also afforded him the opportunity to perform solo piano at hotels in St.
Louis, San Antonio, New Orleans and Dallas. He has also played for the
nationally famed artist, David Peaston, as well as, with popular local
musicians such as Jimmy Jones, Terry Williams and Don Cook.
In the 1990's, Marvin formed two other successful local groups-"Strictly
Business" and "2 The Next Stage with Style". "2 The Next Stage with Style"
evolved into a new group, "Style". The evolution of "Style" led to Marvin
teaming once again with his long time friend, Dr. Seth Brownridge and newly
found music artist, Carl R. Watkins. The three formed the promising
company, "Style Tracks Records" in 1998. Their first project resulted in the
recording and production of the 4 song CD single, "Enjoy".The CD contains
songs co-written by Marvin F. Cockrell. ("Enjoy" and "Special Paradise".)
"Special Paradise" was performed at an event hosted by Cedric the
Entertainer.
In 2003, a business decision made by Style Tracks Records to promote only
R&B marked a new era for the music career of Marvin F. Cockrell. With the
success of the "Stepping Stones" CD, Marvin's deep love for Jazz led him to
pursue his career as a Jazz artist. Marvin decided to compose and promote
his second CD of "Smooth Jazz" entitled, "Heat". The development of the
"Heat" CD enabled Marvin to network with local, talented musicians, such
as, Sean Holland (bass), Michael King (guitar) and James Jackson
(percussion). From this collaboration, the band, "Focus" was established.
Marvin and Focus have become a strong force in the St. Louis area in
"Smooth Jazz". The group's outstanding performances at a United Way
sponsored event, II St. Louis Brothers Jazz Club and the Black World History
Museum Jamz impressed Fermata Entertainment which will be promoting
the up coming CD "Heat".
as a young child. Influenced by the sounds of Sonny Stitts, Oscar Peterson
and Ramsey Lewis echoing off his father's record player,he became
immersed in music, which continued throughout his life. At the age of 13 he
organized his first band in his garage. He went on to study band in high
school and received a bachelor's degree in music at Western Illinois
University in 1978. During college he studied saxophone, but eventually
went back to his passion-the piano. Marvin received his master's degree in
music in 1979 and subsequently taught music in the East St. Louis, IL
school district, ushering many students into the field of music.
In 1982, Marvin F. Cockrell joined his life-long friend and former band
member, Dr. Seth J. Brownridge, who had become a well known practicing
pediatrician in the St. Louis area. After listening to the brilliant talent of his
long time friend the two set out to share Marvin's music with the world. This
culminated in a band called "Breeze". This band became popular in the St.
Louis area in the 1980's and under Marvin's leadership shared the stage
with heavy hitters like Will Smith, Dennis Edwards and The Fat Boys. They
also traveled regionally to venues like Chicago, Kansas City and Mississippi
where they delighted the stages of private parties.
Marvin has never left or forgotten his Gospel roots. He has been a strong
fixture in the St. Louis Church community for over 24 years and currently
serves as pianist and organist at Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church. As
one of the musicians for the Progressive National Baptist Convention in the
summer of 2002, he was recorded on a Gospel CD compilation.
Marvin's style of music has no boundaries. Just as easily as he captivates
his audience with R&B, Blues and Jazz, he has the same lasting effect when
he performs Easy Listening tunes at area country clubs. His multi-talents
have also afforded him the opportunity to perform solo piano at hotels in St.
Louis, San Antonio, New Orleans and Dallas. He has also played for the
nationally famed artist, David Peaston, as well as, with popular local
musicians such as Jimmy Jones, Terry Williams and Don Cook.
In the 1990's, Marvin formed two other successful local groups-"Strictly
Business" and "2 The Next Stage with Style". "2 The Next Stage with Style"
evolved into a new group, "Style". The evolution of "Style" led to Marvin
teaming once again with his long time friend, Dr. Seth Brownridge and newly
found music artist, Carl R. Watkins. The three formed the promising
company, "Style Tracks Records" in 1998. Their first project resulted in the
recording and production of the 4 song CD single, "Enjoy".The CD contains
songs co-written by Marvin F. Cockrell. ("Enjoy" and "Special Paradise".)
"Special Paradise" was performed at an event hosted by Cedric the
Entertainer.
In 2003, a business decision made by Style Tracks Records to promote only
R&B marked a new era for the music career of Marvin F. Cockrell. With the
success of the "Stepping Stones" CD, Marvin's deep love for Jazz led him to
pursue his career as a Jazz artist. Marvin decided to compose and promote
his second CD of "Smooth Jazz" entitled, "Heat". The development of the
"Heat" CD enabled Marvin to network with local, talented musicians, such
as, Sean Holland (bass), Michael King (guitar) and James Jackson
(percussion). From this collaboration, the band, "Focus" was established.
Marvin and Focus have become a strong force in the St. Louis area in
"Smooth Jazz". The group's outstanding performances at a United Way
sponsored event, II St. Louis Brothers Jazz Club and the Black World History
Museum Jamz impressed Fermata Entertainment which will be promoting
the up coming CD "Heat".
