Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Early.
Hi Cole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Brief Bio for Cole Early
I was born and raised in Memphis, TN, where since childhood I’ve been passionate about music, history, and the outdoors. I graduated with a B.A. from the University of Memphis, minoring in Sociology and majoring in History, with a concentration on the History of The South & American West. I then moved to Colorado to get my Masters’ Degree in Environmental Policy & Management, my thesis being the production of an environmental documentary film. In Colorado for 20 years, I enjoyed careers as an interpretive planner for history museums, a concert producer for a non-profit concert promoter, and the managing director of a small television station in the ski resort of Telluride, CO, where I fell in love with directing multi-camera shoots of festivals and concerts. All of this experience came full circle on my return to Memphis in 2010, when I began volunteering to help build The Shell’s video archive team. I became a contract employee with The Shell in 2015 and in 2022 became the Shell’s full-time Content & Archies Manager, directing and mentoring university students who comprise The Shell’s video crew of today. Since the pandemic, I have built a Shell history museum, hosting guided tours of it in The Shell’s backstage areas. In my free time, I like to travel for live music and to take the occasional family genealogical trip.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Usual life stuff – but this too, shall change.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the leader for multi-camera video crews capturing concerts in Memphis, it’s a honor to have a part in documenting the region’s rich live music scene. It has also been fun – and rewarding – building out a museum and giving guided tours of the backstage areas of Memphis’ historic Overton Park Shell, where Elvis Presley played his first paid gig.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My deep passions for history and live music combine to keep me inspired on a daily basis.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.overtonparkshell.org
