Ulysses Owens

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Ulysses Owens (born December 6th, 1982) is a multiple Grammy award winning drummer and percussionist known for his work with bassist Christian McBride, and singer Kurt Elling, as well as Wynton Marsalis, Mulgrew Miller, Nicholas Payton, Benny Golson, and Maceo Parker. He is active on both the New York and international jazz scene as a sideman and band leader, and is one of the most prominent young musicians on his instrument.

[edit]Bio Ulysses grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and began playing the drums at the age of 2. Hailed by a prodigy as many, he played many types of music in his younger years, centered around his experience in the church. By the time he was in his early teens, he realized that he would become a jazz musician, and eventually received a full scholarship to study at the Juilliard School, in its inaugural jazz program. At Juilliard, his career went into full swing, and he began actively playing in the New York scene. He has since recorded with dozens of musicians and singers, and has released two full albums as a leader which have received critical acclaim. In addition to Ulysses work as a performer, he is also establishing himself as a producer, working with artists such as Matt Rybicki, Mike Cottone, Saycon Sengbloh, and the artist Abiah, who’s album climbed the Top 20 Billboard Charts.

[edit]Charity Work Ulysses is also the co-founder and artistic director of the charity, Don’t Miss A Beat. DMAB’s mission is “…to blend music, art, academic achievement, and civic engagement to inspire and enlighten children and teens in the Riverside and Brooklyn communities.” After graduating from Juilliard in 2006, Ulysses traveled the world as a jazz drummer. The more he traveled, the more he kept thinking about home. "I saw so many arts programs for kids, especially in other cultures, and I thought we really need something like this back home." After hearing about Jacksonville's high dropout rate and other problems with struggling youths, Ulysses and his family designed a program to help suspended youths stay in school. This program helped these youth to keep up with their schoolwork so that “…they wouldn't miss a beat.” Programming also includes developing workable skills for parents so that, as noted previously, youth have self-sufficient, caring adult role models who are able to provide a safe, healthy environment for their children.