Born and raised in Conyers, Georgia, Marcus Printup‘s first musical experiences came from hearing the fiery gospel music his parents sang in church. He would later discover jazz as a senior in high school.

Marcus attended Georgia State University, then transferred to the University of North Florida on a music scholarship. It was during his studies at UNF that he competed and won the prestigious International Trumpet Guild Jazz Trumpet Competition.

In 1991, Mr. Printup’s life would change when he met his mentor and friend-to-be, the incomparable pianist Marcus Roberts. Mr. Roberts introduced him to world renowned trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis which in time led to the invitation to join the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1993. Marcus has been a member ever since.

Among many others, Mr. Printup has performed/recorded with Betty Carter (an inductee into Ms. Carter’s first Jazz Ahead class in 1994), Dianne Reeves, Eric Reed, Cyrus Chestnut, Wycliffe Gordon, and Marcus Roberts.

Mr. Printup has led multiple recordings on several major record jazz labels:

• Blue Note Records Song for the Beautiful Woman, Unveiled, Hub Songs
• Nagel Heyer Records The New Boogaloo
• Steeplechase Records Peace In The Abstract, Bird of Paradise, London Lullaby, Ballads All Night, A Time for Love, Homage, Desire, Lost, and his latest Young Bloods.

Mr. Printup continues to be in demand nationally and abroad as a facilitator/educator for clinics and masterclasses. He is  involved with educational programs such as  JALC’s Essentially Ellington Competition, The New School (Manhattan), The International Trumpet Guild and Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead at the Kennedy Center.

With his wife Riza Printup, the Printups created RiMarcable Publications LLC through which they have published their first children’s book and arrangements for big band and jazz combos.

In 2005, a proclamation was granted to Mr. Printup declaring August 22nd Marcus Printup Day in his home town of Conyers, GA.