Marcus Printup was born and raised in Conyers, Georgia. His first musical experiences were hearing the fiery gospel music his parents sang in church. While attending the University of North Florida on a music scholarship, he won the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Trumpet competition. In 1991, Printup’s life changed when he met his mentor, the great pianist Marcus Roberts, who introduced him to Wynton Marsalis. This led to Printup’s induction into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1993. Printup has recorded with Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Eric Reed, Madeline Peyroux, Ted Nash, Cyrus Chestnut, Wycliffe Gordon, and Roberts, among others. He has recorded several records as a leader: Song for the Beautiful Woman, Unveiled, Hub Songs, Nocturnal Traces, The New Boogaloo, Peace in the Abstract, Bird of Paradise, London Lullaby, Ballads All Night, A Time for Love, and his most recent, Homage (2012) and Desire, (2013) featuring Riza Printup on the Harp. He made a big screen appearance in the 1999 movie Playing by Heart and recorded on the film’s soundtrack. Education is important to Printup, as he is an in-demand clinician teaching middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the U.S. He teaches privately at the prestigious Mannes New School of Music. August 22nd has been declared “Marcus Printup Day” in his hometown of Conyers, Georgia.