Meet Our People: Cole Early
Cole Early
Content and Archives Manager, Overton Park Shell
Cole Early first began volunteering with Overton Park Shell in 2010. In his current role as the Shell’s Content and Archives Manager, he works to preserve the iconic venue’s rich musical heritage and history. Cole told us he was originally drawn to the Shell by his love of interacting with different audiences, but his life has since been changed as he’s learned more about how important the Overton Park Shell is to the world’s music history.
How long have you been working in the hospitality industry?
I began my museum and event production career in 1996.
How did you end up where you are now? Take us through your career path.
I was a History major in college before getting a masters degree in environmental management. My first career was managing history museums and festivals, which morphed into producing concerts for a nonprofit folk music promoter.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I knew I wanted to be a participant in the music industry. Later, I wanted to be a producer for environmental documentaries. After I “grew up”, I wanted to be a director of multi-camera concert footage.
What is your favorite part about working in the industry?
Providing a quality experience for visitors and continually building relationships with guests, especially those from other places and backgrounds.
What are your top three favorite places to visit in Memphis?
Indie Memphis, Goner Fest, and Grizzlies games.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to the industry?
Have an open mind.
Tell us about a memorable experience you cultivated with a guest or artist during your time at Overton Park Shell.
Getting to know J.M. Van Eaton (the drummer for Jerry Lee Lewis and others) has been an honor, but a memorable experience happens to some degree literally every time I host a tour of the Shell’s new backstage history experience
Thank you, Cole, for sharing your love of music and history with guests of the Overton Park Shell!
