Marcus Printup, born on January 24, 1967, in Conyers, Georgia, is an American jazz trumpeter recognized for his articulate sound and soul-stirring improvisations. His journey in jazz began after hearing a church choir sing "He Looked Beyond My Faults" when he was a mere 11 years old; the performance struck a chord in him, sparking his lifelong love for music. Printup honed his skills at the University of North Florida's jazz program, where he studied under trumpeter Jon Faddis – a direct influence who would shape his approach to jazz.

His professional career took off after he met the eminent pianist Marcus Roberts, who introduced him to the jazz titan Wynton Marsalis. This encounter led to Printup's induction into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1993, an ensemble with which he has since been a regular member. Through his tenure with the JLCO and his solo projects, Printup has established himself as a jazz aficionado's trumpeter, steeped in the tradition of the genre while also bringing his distinct flair to every performance and recording. Among his most recent releases, "Gentle Rain," "Young Bloods," and "Desire" showcase his lyrical melodies, while live recordings like "Jazz Na Hradě" capture the vibrant energy of his onstage presence. With an impressive discography that continues to grow, Marcus Printup stands out as a living testament to the enduring power and beauty of jazz music.