Music Focus  Pianist from Saint Louis, MO

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. At age 16 Marvin was the organist for his church and played his first wedding. He studied 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. 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. His multi-talents have also afforded him the opportunity to perform solo piano at hotels in St. Louis, Chicago, San Antonio, New Orleans, Dallas and other cities. Whether it is playing soft background music for a banquet, wedding party, corporate event, his music fits any occasion. In addition to headlining an annual smooth jazz concert at the Bistro, hosted by Fermata Entertainment in St. Louis MO, Marvin has performed for such organizations as the Professional Organization for Women, Top ladies of Distinction, Shell Oil Company, St. Alban Country club, Explore St. Louis, and the United Way. Marvin F. Cockrell has four smooth jazz CDs that are powerful, and full of energy. Also to his credit he has one gospel CD.