Meet Franklin Vanderbilt | Drummer, Singer, Songwriter, and Actor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Franklin Vanderbilt and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Franklin, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised on Chicago’s West side, My family encouraged the development of my innate musical talents. As soon as I could crawl I was banging on pots and pans, and by the age of 5, I was seated on a Ludwig drum kit given to me by my Father and Grandfather. This began a childhood filled with music. Influenced by my Uncle, Robert Vanderbilt, who fronted his own gospel group, The Foundation of Souls, I played in church and school bands until my teens,
This is when my mentoring by a host of legendary jazz and blues musicians began.
Ramsey Lewis, Ernie Adams, Orbert Davis, Willie Pickens, Pat Mallenger & Clarke Terry all were influential in my early musical training.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a drummer, singer/songwriter and actor. I started drumming at 4 years old. What sets me apart from others is that I put humanity, the heart and awareness first in all things. I’m proud of myself and the efforts I make to become whatever I DECIDE to be. Persistence, believing in myself, talent and skill has put me where I am today.
HUMANITY IS A “BAND”
The world is an orchestra. We all must play & drive together. One conflict, one wrong turn or one bad note can effect the entire CADENCE of our planet.
The more you empower your people in YOUR country, EVERYBODY benefits. Empower the people, empower the culture, empower the world.
“Awareness changes our reality”
No matter what race color and gender, everyone has a right to development. As we grow through life, most of us might LEARN over time to not listen to what’s going on inside of us. It is important to be sensitive to what is going on inside of you, mentally spiritually and physically. If you listen, (and be patient with yourself,) opportunity comes. When you are in control of your mind, you are in control of everything else. Without the mind, the body cannot live. You owe it to yourself to spend time with your thoughts and be the time keeper of your soul. You were born with desires and thoughts and dreams for a reason. Listen to yourself, listen to your life’s CADENCE.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Beverly Hills. I would take my friends hiking, exercising and listening to live music. My favorite restaurants are: Wallys, Craig’s, Tommy’s, The Hideaway and Javiers, which are all wonderful restaurants.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents and my high school band director, Carl Annis.
Website: https://www.franklinvanderbilt.com/
Instagram: @franklin_vanderbilt_official
Twitter: @fvanderbiltdrum
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franklinvanderbiltdrummer/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/2yelJhtzIdE
Image Credits
Mathieu Bitton, Cristina Arigoni, Franklin Vanderbilt, Steve Pineda
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