Born on September 16, 1998 (shares the same birth date as B.B. King), Cole began playing his dad’s guitars at the age of 5. Even at that young age, he dreamed of playing a Gold Top Gibson Les Paul. After proving to be serious about playing with real talent, the Les Paul became a reality on his 10th birthday.
Cole’s original influences came from the rock sounds and styles of Slash, Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhodes, Richie Sambora, and Jim Hendirx. As he has progressed, his style has evolved to include the influences of Synester Gates (Avenged Sevenfold), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Joe Bonamassa, and many other talented guitar players.
At age 11, he played on stage for the first time in March 2010 to surprise his mother for her 50th birthday. His rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” and unbelievable guitar duels with singer/songwriter/guitarist Jackie Don Loe brought the crowd to its feet!
In May 2010, Cole performed at the Cherokee Music Festival in Cherokee, Texas during the after hours performance with Stonehoney out of Austin. The experience of playing with such a great guitarist as Phil Hurley fanned the flames of Cole’s guitar playing passion to reach for even greater heights!
Thanks to friend and mentor, Mabon “Teenie” Hodges, in October 2010 Cole performed on the main stage at the 25th Annual King Biscuit Blues Festival outside Memphis with Larry McCray. After turning 12, Cole had the privilege of joining Teenie Hodges on stage at the Ray Wylie Hubbard Grit & Groove Festival in New Braunfels, Texas in April 2011. Being able to play those classic Al Green songs with Teenie is something Cole will never forget.
Cole again played with Stonehoney at the May 2011 Cherokee Music Festival and opened for Stoneyhoney at Love and War in Texas in July. After performing in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd which included the members of Stonehoney, they praised his performance by stating, “Cole can’t open for us again. He is just too hard an act to follow and he’s only 12!” In his young life, Cole has been blessed to meet some of his favorite guitar playing influences. In February of 2012, Cole met Joe Bonamassa who signed his Les Paul. In April of 2012, Cole had the privilege of meeting Kenny Wayne Shepherd when he was invited to sound check and on stage for the show at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas. Cole received quite a surprise when Kenny Wayne let him play his replica Fender Jimi Hendrix Monterey Pop Festival Stratocaster. Cole crossed paths again with Kenny Wayne at the Bedford Blues and BBQ Festival on Labor Day Weekend 2012. Hanging out with Kenny Wayne topped off a great day of music especially since Cole and his band performed just prior to Anna Popovic and Kenny Wayne. In September 2012, Cole was fortunate enough (brought about by co-manager Laurie Muslow – It’s All Good Entertainment) to be a private backstage guest of Slash at the House of Blues in Dallas. Imagine the thrill to meet the guitarist responsible for Cole’s desire to own and play a Gold Top Gibson Les Paul! Cole is moving forward with writing his own music. Stay tuned for more to come soon!