We were able to talk to a very talented musician by the name Sam Hankins. His jazz music is full of soul, with inspiration that can light the path for fans and fellow musicians. Read the details about his journey below!
Interview Questions
So when did you become a musician, and would you say it was the ideal path to take?
Because I was born into a musical family, becoming a musician was not something I even thought about. It is in my blood. I knew I wanted to make music my career at the early age of 5 years old. I know that being a professional trumpeter and school band director is my calling.
Who are the jazz influences that inspired you?
You know, I started off with singing & playing the guitar, but then I saw Louis Armstrong playing the trumpet & that decided it for me. When I spoke to my mom, she said that my uncle had an old trumpet that he used to play and once I had cleaned it out, my fate was sealed. Some of the other jazz influencers were Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis & Clark Terry. And, you know I actually had the honor of playing with Clark Terry.
How was Northeastern State University?
It was a great university to attend at that time. I received my undergraduate degree in music performance there.
How did it feel when you met the O'Jays and the Temptations?
What a huge honor to meet and perform with the O’Jays and the Temptations. Such talented and outstanding musicians, but very humble and down to earth.
If you could be anything else other than a musician what would it be, and why?
Never thought about being anything else except being a musician, entertainer and trumpeter. My other passion is teaching band.
Was it difficult to be a music director at Edison Middle School?
No, I loved being a band director at Edison Middle School because I loved teaching band and to know that I could possibly be instrumental in the development of the next big musical genius. I loved passing on my knowledge of music to these young enquiring minds.
How did you adjust, to make a living in the music industry with the new direction it has taken?
Change is constantly happening and the music industry is always evolving and we have to change and evolve with it. Obviously, during this pandemic, we have once again had to adapt and change the way we do things while socially distancing. But I still promote & market my music through social media and recording. I have been giving private trumpet lessons online and some private gigs here and there. Hopefully, we can get back to live entertainment soon.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My wife; she was the one who encouraged me to start writing music and then to record it, which lead to 4 CDs; Dream Catcher, Nothing Between Us, Do That Thang & Joyous Celebration with David McLorren and several single tracks.
So, if you had to describe your music in one sentence, what would it be?
Sam Hankins music offers up a fresh, unconventional, innovative and exhilarating vibe with his super melodic trumpet sound.
Any last remarks you would like to share with us?
Yes, I would like to thank you for your support of my music. To find out more information about Sam Hankins music please visit my website for purchasing and downloads
http://www.samhankinsmusic.com
Sam Recently released a new single entitled Carols Dream! Check it out on Spotify!
