Derrell Payne

Derrell was born in Chicago, Illinois. At the tender age of 13 months, Derrell’s parents moved to Los Angeles, California. His mother worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the blind in California. His father was a baker at the famous Farmers Market in Southern California, near Hollywood. 

At a very young age Derrell exhibited an interest in music. When he was 9 years old he began playing the violin, then at the age of 10 he began playing the drums.

One day his mother took him to a parade in Riverside, California. Derrell was really excited about listening to the loud musical announcements the trumpets were making during the parade.  After the parade, Derrell told his mother he wanted to be a trumpet player at the age of 11.

At the age of 17 during the early 1970’s, Derrell formed a band in Riverside, California called the Payne Band. This was a funk band, playing the Top 40 songs of the day.

In the late 70’s, Derrell’s family moved to Baltimore, Maryland. There, Derrell joined the MYCA Band at the age of 19. This was a band with a strong horn and rhythm section. This group was the opening act for Earth, Wind & Fire. Also, with the MYCA Band, Derrell experienced his first recording session in a 64 tract studio.

In the early 80’s, after graduating from Towson University, Derrell moved back to California and joined the L.S. Movement Band. This was a band with the musical style of Rick James. While in this group Derrell recorded a mean trumpet solo on the song “Try It You Might Like It”. While in the L.S. Movement Band, Derrell also did a lot of playing in Las Vegas and at the famous Playboy Club in L.A.

His musical style is forever evolving, lending a fresh approach to blending the trumpet with today’s sound of music.

“Blowing for God” was a song given to Derrell in a vision.  This vision has developed into an entire musical concept, using Derrell and his trumpet as a vehicle to do God’s will.

Derrell’s mission is to be a trumpet player for God. To blow his horn for the uplifting of God’s Kingdom. Although Derrell has been playing for 35 years, his mission is just beginning. Please follow his career as he begins to touch souls through musical expression.

FOLLOW