Solo Artist Trumpeter Sam Hankins returns with new single

Sam Hankins had the great fortune to be born into a musical family that would help cultivate his own talent and ambitions. Encouraged by his father, Samuel Hankins Sr., young “Hank”” began with the guitar, then switched to his trademark trumpet in middle school and began playing in churches, professional bands, and orchestras. Hankins remembers clearly being one of only 5 African American kids being bussed to the predominantly white Harmony Elementary School in Oklahoma City.

He earns his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He then joined the air force jazz band, The Pacesetters, stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois as a trumpeter.

Hankins then returned to school, earning both a second Bachelors's Degree and a Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Before becoming a solo artist Hankins performed with numerous legendary artists, including Al Jarreau, Clark Terry, The O’Jays, The Temptations, The Dells, The Impressions, Aretha Franklin, and the Glenn Miller Big Band. A prolific composer, Hankins had composed over 150 pieces, as a solo recording artist. He laid the groundwork for Nothing Between Us (May 2012) by releasing Dream Catcher (July 2011), a compilation of his catalog of music in every genre from smooth jazz and dance to techno.

He released his third CD, Joyous Celebration, a Christmas CD which is a collaboration with David McLorren in November 2015. His latest CD, Do That Thang was released in March 2016.
All 4 CDs have received lots of radio play in the US & around the world and have won over 25 independent music awards. He has single “Carol Dream” was released on September 10th, 2020. he will discuss his newest single 'It's Okay' that has been released this year 2021.