Samuel Paul James was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. At just three weeks old, he was adopted by his grandmother, Rosemary Radford, which led to his name being changed to Samuel Paul Radford. Later in life, after Rosemary, known as "Mama" Cosby, married Robert Cosby, she encouraged Robert to adopt Samuel when he turned 18.
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Samuel spent his formative years in Utah, immersed in a uniquely vibrant atmosphere. During his childhood in the 1970s, Utah's African-American population was relatively small, numbering 6,324. His mother held a significant role as a Pastor of a Pentecostal Church. While the Civil Rights movement in America spanned from 1958 to 1968, its influence persisted in Utah until 1978 and continued to resonate personally with Samuel into the 1980s. When he started elementary school, he was known by the name Samuel Paul Cosby.
Ruth Lindgren, his nanny, introduced Samuel and his brother to places filled with joy and affection, including the zoo, parks, and Utah's majestic canyons. In those days, the idea of a Black person appreciating nature was often discouraged. However, Samuel's mother instilled in him a deep love and respect for trees, animals, and the surrounding environment. Both his mother and Ruth played pivotal roles in shaping his life, and their influence is woven throughout every story and song he creates.
"Lagoon" Photo by Scott Catron
His teachings found practical application during visits to Lagoon Amusement Park in Utah, a period marked by the dissolution of segregation. Similarly, trips to Anaheim, California, the home of Disneyland, offered him new experiences. Each visit introduced him to diverse geographical locations, people, and attitudes. Samuel would often venture off and integrate with other families, temporarily leaving Ruth worried about his whereabouts. His ability to make friends quickly allowed him to spend a few hours immersed in their lives, observing and learning how people from different places interacted and communicated.
Ruth Lindgren
In 1977, "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" premiered, a cinematic event that stirred considerable controversy within Samuel's community, particularly among those of religious backgrounds. For the children of pastors, attending the theater to watch such films was frowned upon. Nevertheless, Samuel's stepfather, Robert Clinton Cosby, known as Bobby, found a way to experience the film by acquiring a VHS copy through unofficial means. While others flocked to theaters, Samuel enjoyed the privilege of watching "Star Wars" regularly at home after school, on weekends, and during holidays. This access granted him the opportunity to form a perspective beyond religious teachings. His encounter with the ideas of Charles Darwin further expanded his worldview when he broached the topic with his mother, who affirmed the evolutionary nature of life. This pivotal conversation sparked in Samuel the notion that anything was possible, even in a "galaxy far, far away." He aspired to create stories that evoked the wonder he felt watching "Star Wars." The 1978 release of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" continued to fuel his imagination, introducing him to even broader possibilities.
C-3PO
At the age of 14, Samuel moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, a pivotal shift that introduced him to the electric bass at his mother's encouragement. He began playing at her church, and soon after, he, his brother, and a cousin formed a band. Despite restrictive household rules that forbade listening to anything but Gospel music, Samuel's musical curiosity couldn't be contained. He was particularly drawn to jazz, captivated by its complexity and the musicians' skill. This fascination led to a clandestine exploration of diverse musical styles, even though it meant risking punishment from his stepfather, who disapproved of such musical forays. The consequences were real, with Samuel enduring reprimands and physical punishment. Yet, the risk was worthwhile to him, as each new tune broadened his auditory horizon. Music, alongside another unnamed element, became an integral aspect of his upbringing, shaping his creative journey.
Cosby and Company
Opening for Al Green
At 16, when Samuel obtained his driver's license, he came to the realization that his true identity was tied to being a Radford rather than a Cosby. It wasn't until he reached 19 that his stepfather, Bobby Cosby, formally adopted him and his brother. Seeking new avenues to legitimize his passion for jazz, Samuel decided to enter the state NAACP Act-So competition. Winning this competition earned him the chance to compete at the national level in Detroit, MI. However, his mother appointed Bobby Cosby as his chaperone for the trip. Bobby's resentment over this responsibility led him to berate Samuel for an hour before his performance, resulting in a disappointing loss. Despite this setback, the judges expressed anticipation in hearing Samuel's future albums, offering encouragement to a disheartened young musician.
Robert Cosby, Samuel, Debbie, Pamela~ Laughing off a negative comment.
After high school, Samuel returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, and began attending jam sessions at D.B. Coopers, now known as Bourbon House. Although the club had a 21-and-over age restriction, Samuel was only 19. Fortunately, a generous guitarist named Steve Flygare acted as his "sponsor." During these sessions, Samuel listened intently and occasionally joined in, immersing himself in the music. Steve, who became a mentor, introduced Samuel to the rich world of Jazz. Samuel spent time at Steve's house, where he was exposed to unfamiliar chord progressions on the piano. Steve patiently explained the mechanics and theory behind the chords. This foundation allowed Samuel to perform at music festivals and various events alongside Steve, deepening his understanding and appreciation of jazz.
At the University of Utah, Samuel extended a heartfelt "Thank you!" to Henry Wolking for providing him with the invaluable opportunity to take a private lesson with Dave Friesen. During the lesson, Samuel shared a musical idea with Dave, who encouraged him by saying, "Sam, no matter what people think, keep creating new ideas and make the music you want to make."
Seeking more than what Salt Lake City could offer, Samuel began attending concerts and festivals, with a particular fondness for The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. He also took an active interest in clinics, which were the ultimate destination for music enthusiasts. Determined to delve deeper into the world of music, Samuel consistently found ways to access backstage areas where he could engage with musicians directly from the artist roster. The opportunity to converse and explore styles and techniques with these artists was both thrilling and enlightening, as they generously took the time to share their insights and experiences.
Samuel and Wallace Roney RIP May 25, 1960 – March 31, 2020
James Moody, Samuel
When "The Tonight Show" bandleader Branford Marsalis visited Salt Lake City with his trio, Samuel seized the opportunity to engage in discussions about music and life. Those conversations and pieces of advice left a lasting impression on him. Samuel spent the entire day with Branford, and while the trio performed that evening, he observed and listened attentively from the side-stage. As their dialogue extended into the night, Samuel became engrossed in the determination to find his own path and journey, no matter what it took.
Recognizing it was time for a new direction, Samuel learned about the Marine Corps Band and felt drawn to join. After auditioning successfully, he was selected and his journey led him to the Marine Corps Band Quantico. Acknowledging his tenure in the USMC would be limited, Samuel began exploring the vibrant concert scene in Washington D.C. There, he reconnected with Branford Marsalis on two occasions at Blues Alley and had the chance to meet Ellis Marsalis. During a particularly challenging time for Samuel, Ellis shared stories of his own experiences in the Marine Band, providing valuable insights. "Mr. Marsalis, it seems like everything goes wrong for me. I just want to play, I just want music," Samuel expressed, showing his injured foot as they both chuckled. Ellis reminded him that leaving the military was merely a transition, offering reassurance that his artistic journey was just beginning. Despite the uncertainty, Samuel knew it was time to embark on new creative endeavors and continue his pursuit of music.
Just days after being discharged from the Marine Corps in Virginia, Samuel received an unexpected phone call from his mother. She informed him that he no longer needed to play for her at the church and encouraged him to pursue his life independently, free from the church's influence. They delved into a conversation about the direction of his music career, with her advising him to cultivate a path where he wouldn’t have to depend on anyone else for writing, recording, or producing. "That's impossible," he replied, to which she laughed and said, "Well, you better figure it out." This conversation turned out to be one of the most invigorating talks he had ever had with his mother. Yet, just a few hours later, he received another phone call bearing the devastating news that she had passed away.
Unsure of what steps to take next, Samuel decided to honor his mother's last words and memory by purchasing a computer, Cubase VST software, a Roland XP-10 keyboard, and a microphone bundle. Once he learned how to record, he wrote his first song, sparking a creative journey that continued to unfold. Back in Salt Lake City, Samuel kept recording his own music while also playing with local bands. He toured with others, all culminating in the completion of his first album, "Blue Dreams."
At some point, weary from the constant travel of touring, Samuel decided to form his own band, embracing the idea of experimenting with sound in a live setting. Lacking the funds to acquire portable recording equipment, he couldn't capture the music that resonated in his mind. The group, named Terindo Jazz, frequently changed its name based on the venue, allowing the same musicians to seamlessly transition through styles such as straight-ahead jazz, jazz fusion, and jam band music. This approach was intentional, as it allowed the musicians to perform freely, irrespective of conventional categorizations, challenging the tendency to confine music to specific genres.
Before concluding this phase of exploration, Samuel and his band had the chance to open for The Roots under the name Electronik Church. Playing with fluidity was natural and straightforward for them. As they continued to push boundaries, the concept of genre increasingly became indistinct for Samuel. He often sought feedback from other musicians he played with, asking, "How does it sound?" Despite their critiques suggesting it wasn’t coming together, he would listen to the recordings later and find quite the contrary.
The concept took shape during a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina victims in the Park City area. Thanks to the support of Kenji Ahara, Matt Walton, and Pat Campbell (1969-2020), as well as everyone else who collaborated with me during that time.
Once again reinventing himself, Samuel decided to bring his musical concept into a religious environment, driving it further. To his amazement, the concept flourished and illustrated the idea that genres are, indeed, limitless. He understood that pursuing this direction meant fulfilling his mother’s wish of self-reliance in his musical journey.
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In 2007, Samuel welcomed a son who was quite colicky. Through online research, he discovered that white noise—sounds like vacuums, hairdryers, and fans—mimicked the soothing ambiance of the mother's womb. Observing that the sound of a vacuum calmed his son, Samuel recorded it and composed music based on its key center. In his quest to find similar music, he discovered nothing of its kind existed. He launched a marketing campaign to promote his innovative project, backed by distribution and a fixed release date, with hopes high for its success.
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However, just a week before the release, Samuel received a call from a friend remarking on the overwhelming online buzz. It was then he learned the distributor had leaked the album early. The project was shared and downloaded over 135,000 times within a month, leaving Samuel heartbroken. In 2008, his girlfriend, Michelle—now his wife—urged him to take control of his destiny and not depend on others to release his work. Her encouragement led to the founding of Ellisbeetle Entertainment Inc., a firm dedicated to holding and developing Samuel and Michelle’s creative content and intellectual property. This venture offered them the freedom to manage and distribute their works, ranging from audiobooks to music and comics. Additionally, they started Metal & Wood LLC, an event planning company drawing on Michelle’s expertise, enabling strategic placement and marketing of Samuel’s musical expressions. With their ventures firmly established, Samuel now focuses on crafting new intellectual property.
Music
Books
Merchandise
Taking pics w/ Hot Babes
Live
Currently, Samuel dedicates his time at "The Creation Studio," where he is immersed in "National Spaces: A Visual-Music Experience." This ambitious project interweaves the natural beauty of national parks into a unique collection of music and stories, including audiobooks.
