Bradd Marquis
When Bradd Marquis steps on stage, something magical happens.
It’s not just the sheer talent of his voice, but the soulful depth he carries with every note. For the past 16 years, Marquis has been building a legacy of his own, blending the rich sounds of old-school soul with his contemporary edge. And now, as he prepares to take the stage at Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall on January 20, he’s set to deliver a show that not only celebrates the life and music of Sam Cooke but also introduces the next chapter in the evolution of modern soul music.
The show, “The Music of Sam Cooke,” isn’t just a tribute. It’s a powerful reminder of Cooke’s monumental influence on music — a reflection of his ability to blend gospel, pop, and R&B into a new sound that would forever change the course of soul music. With an incredible live big band behind him, Marquis will channel Cooke’s magic with songs like “You Send Me,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” and “Twistin' the Night Away,” reminding us of why Cooke earned the title "King of Soul."
For Marquis, the connection to Cooke goes beyond the music.
"Sam Cooke’s voice — it’s not just about hitting the notes; it’s about capturing the spirit, the soul," he says.
Marquis has always been influenced by Cooke’s artistry, and over the years, he’s brought that influence into his own work. What started as a simple performance with a five-piece band has blossomed into a full-blown 10-piece band production that explores the essence of Cooke’s story and legacy.
Marquis’s own musical journey has been just as rich and layered. Growing up in Trenton, New Jersey, his home was filled with the sounds of Sam Cooke’s hits during family dinners, alongside the smooth ballads of Marvin Gaye and the heart-wrenching melodies of Donny Hathaway. This mix of gospel, soul, and love songs would become the foundation of his own work, blending elements of classic soul with modern influences.
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His latest project, I Choose You, is a beautiful reflection of this evolution. The EP weaves together polyrhythmic Afrobeats, sultry R&B, and vibrant funk into a sound that honors his Black American roots while embracing global influences. Tracks like “My Everything” evoke deep emotional landscapes, while “Dance Amongst the Stars” celebrates love in its purest, most uninhibited form. But for Marquis, this isn’t just about romance — it’s about the hard work and commitment that come with it.
“Over the years, a lot of music focused on either the initial 'falling in love' or the inevitable breakup," he says. "But relationships are far more nuanced than that. There’s so much in between — the effort, the growth, the choice to stay, even when it’s tough. That’s the message I wanted to share.”
Marquis’s dedication to soulful, authentic music is evident not just in his songwriting but in the way he connects with his audience. I Choose You is more than just a collection of songs — it’s a love letter to the intricacies of life, relationships, and the commitment it takes to make them last.
As he notes, “I want people to feel love through my music, to remember that soul music is timeless and that we all deserve the kind of love that keeps choosing us, no matter what.”
This philosophy extends beyond his music. Marquis’s recent podcast, Iron Sharpens, is a platform for empowering conversations about manhood, love, and growth — something he feels is sorely missing in today’s dialogue.
“There’s a void in the conversations we have as men. Too many of us are quiet, holding everything in,” Marquis explains. “My podcast is a space where we can sharpen each other, support each other, and grow together.”
With I Choose You, Marquis doesn’t just invite us into his world; he asks us to join him in a celebration of what it means to be present, to choose love, and to commit to growth. It’s a sound that heals, uplifts, and reminds us of the roots of soul music — while bringing it into a new era.
When Marquis steps into Cooke’s shoes at Bass Hall, he won’t just be paying tribute to the soul legend. He’ll be continuing a legacy, blending past and present, and showing us that soul music is more than just a genre — it’s a timeless story of love, commitment, and the beautiful complexities of being human.
Marquis continues to carry the torch, blending past and present in a way only he can, he offers a powerful reminder: “I want to share with the world that soul isn’t just something I sing — it’s something I live.”
