Biography

Shawn Cole was born in a small Indiana town in 1974. At the age of thirteen he was playing on stage as a drummer and singing in church. The early influence of gospel, and the highly energetic rhythms of the Chicago Blues produced a great platform from which a steady stream of music has been created.

Shortly after moving to Nebraska in 1993 Shawn met vocalist K.D. Jones and helped form the band Mustang Rain. The popular country band traveled throughout the Midwest and played with touring artist Johnny Paycheck and Kevin Black. Mustang Rain also had their song Runaway Train performed at the Grand Ole' Opry.

During the next several years Shawn toured with Blues artist C.A. Waller and Dr. John Walker. His reputation as a harmonicaist allowed him to play on the nationally syndicated "River City Folk" radio show, and record C.D. 's with several bands. Shawn has also appeared quite often on Lincoln's community radio station, KZUM. The most successful recording thus far has been the Bright Eyes album "Lifted or The Story is in the Soil Keep Your Ear to the Ground". The album, which was released in 2002, has sold nearly 150,000 copies. The band Bright Eyes has also appeared in every major music magazine. It was even on the cover of the Rolling Stone! .Shawn also was honored to share the stage with Willie Nelson in September of 2002!

While accomplishments are good for the ego, Shawn's main goal has remained the same. He is focused on making emotions easily accessible to people through music. He is energetic. He is soulful. And he recognizes that he has been blessed with musical gifts.