Dre Cole
It’s rare that anyone comes across a creative force like Andre “Dre Cole” Kitchings and realizes what they experienced. Yet, the mention of his name to anyone in the Atlanta music community evokes a storied musical tapestry that only few could weave so well in a short period of time. His music is raw, honest, always real. To see him perform on stage is an experience –he’s far from your typical musician… one minute he’s got you mesmerized with the pulsating beats of a song the next he lures you in with his sultry melodic lines on Keys. Dre Cole always keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and always leaves them wanting more.
Born November 5, 1986 in Paterson New Jersey, Andre is no stranger to the music world or living the life of a musician, following in the footsteps of his father Gregory Thomas who was also a keyboardist, drummer, and producer. Also he is the Nephew of the Late David Cole of C&C Music Factory, Grammy awarding winning producer for The soundtrack from the movie bodyguard. So I guess it’s safe to say that music is in Andre’s Blood. He has been told countless stories from his mother of how as a young boy he would use the Pots and Pans in the kitchen as his drum set, this clearly helped develop him into the drummer he is today. Playing the keys came a little differently: “I could fiddle around a little coming up,” Said Andre, “After all, it was in my blood, but I couldn’t really play. I honestly didn’t have an interest in playing Piano. I only wanted to do it because my uncle David did. It wasn’t until I was put into a situation where I had to take it a little more serious.”
When he was 14, he began playing at a church, where he was one of two drummers for their Sunday Services. The minister of music decided to quit and along with this the whole nine piece band went with him, leaving the church with just 2 drummers. So Andre then decided to teach himself piano to be able to hold service down until the church found someone. This situation forced him into the piano player he is today. Now having 2 children of his own, Andre Lahmar Kitchings Jr (born in 2014) and the adorable Little Miss. Faith Ann Wilson Kitchings (born in 2010), who is already showing signs of following in her father, grandfather, and great Uncle’s footsteps, Andre strives to nurture her musical gifts which are developing daily just the way his Dad and Uncle helped him. Other musicians that influenced Andre’s Career includes: Drummers: George “Spanky” McCurdy, Lil John Roberts, Chris “Daddy” Dave, Aaron Spears, Chris Coleman, and Dana Hawkins, Keys: Chic Correa, Justin Gilbert, and Ray Charles.
Every Musician, Producer, singer, Songwriter has those moments in life where they just know without a doubt in their mind that they want to make music full time for the rest of their lives and that moment came in November of 1994, One day before his Eighth birthday. His grandmother (Sandra Turner) took him to New York to see his uncle. He was in the studio working on a remix to Michael Jackson’s Black or White. “Being there and witnessing my uncle in his craft, and being able to play the drums with him was such a great experience” Said Andre. “When I think back on it now, I can remember him, taking my finger, and guiding my hand to record the bass line. Every time I hear the song now, it makes me smile because it’s me playing. This was one year before my uncle passed away, and I feel that moment we shared was him passing the torch for me to carry on his music and legacy.”
In 1998 Andre’s family moved to Atlanta GA, this is where his career really began to flourish into the greatness you see today, after moving to Atlanta he began playing for a local community choir Min. Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling while also being mentored and trained by a number of musicians including Justin Gilbert, Tres Gilbert, Eric Sinclair, and Marc Mays. These mentors pushed him to continue following in his Uncle’s footsteps, as he began producing tracks for independent artists. During this Journey Andre has graced the stage with such greats as Ricky Dillard, Walter Hawkins, Tonex, Marvin Sapp, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, William Murphy, Isaac Carree, Malachi (Dungeon Family), Future, Masspike Miles, Kindred Family Soul, Lenny Williams, Shirley Murdock, Christopher Williams, Tye Tribbett, Kim Burrell, Maurette Brown Clark, BSlade, KeKe Wyatt, J Holiday, Kameron Corvett, and a host of local artist around the city of Atlanta and surrounding areas. In 2007 Dre was able to do his first Live Recording for Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling’s Destined for Greatness Album. From 2009-2013, he played for The Voices of Tabernacle as well as The Anointed Voices of Tabernacle at the How Sweet the Sound Choir Competition It was his musical arrangements that help bring home the win.
He is currently the Music Director for National Gospel Recording Artist B.Chase Williams & Shabach and Musically Arranged, as well as Recorded on their 2014 released album entitled “Live Again Bigger, Better, Greater”, as well as Musically Directed numerous of shows for Grammy Award Winning Soul Singer, Mrs. Ann Nesby from the Sounds Of Blackness. Currently living in Atlanta GA with his Family, Andre is a God Fearing young singer, songwriter, musician, and producer who just wants to share his gift with the world. “I want for people to think of me first, when they think of music entertainment,” said Andre “I want to be the definition of MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT!” “I want my music to make others think outside the box, break musical rules, and create their own sound.” So in short who is Andre “Dre Cole” Kitchings? A name you should remember because you most definitely will be seeing it in Lights.