Steve Cole
Steve Cole is a highly acclaimed recording artist, educator, and clinician, renowned for his dynamic performances and contributions to contemporary music. Over his illustrious career, he has graced some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including the Hollywood Bowl, Benaroya Symphony Hall, Bass Performance Hall, and the Chicago Symphony Center. Steve has also been a featured performer at premier events such as the JVC, Playboy, and Blue Note Jazz Festivals, as well as at performing arts centers and festivals globally.
Steve’s journey as a recording artist began in 1998 when he signed with Atlantic Records, marking the start of a prolifi c career that spans over two decades. Across his 11 subsequent releases on labels such as Atlantic, Warner Brothers, EMI/Blue Note, and Mack Avenue/Artistry, he has achieved multiple national radio hits, amassed tens of millions of streams, and sold hundreds of thousands of albums. His artistry has earned him coverage in prominent publications, including Alternative Press, Jazz Times, Radio & Records, and Billboard.
In addition to his solo work, Steve has collaborated with a diverse roster of celebrated artists, including Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Boz Scaggs, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Jim Peterik, Freddie Cole, Cyrus Chestnut, and KMFDM. His talent as a soloist has been showcased with renowned ensembles such as the City of Prague Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.
Beyond his achievements as a performer and recording artist, Steve is a dedicated educator and thought leader in the fi eld of music industry. He currently serves as Senior Clinical Professor of Music Industry at the University of St. Thomas, and as a Teaching Fellow in the Schulze Scool of Entrepreneurship where he shares his expertise with the next generation of industry professionals. He is also an active recording artist under the Mack Avenue/Artistry record label and a writer with Universal Music Publishing.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a Doctorate from the University of St. Thomas.