Biography

Born in Louisville, KY, and raised in Atlanta, GA, MSG Zackery Pride began his musical studies on violin but switched to bass at age 14. He earned a BA in Music with honors from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. While there, he was Principal Bassist in the Oberlin Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Band, and performed with music greats like Lou Rawls, Dorothy Norwood, Jaguar (The Roots), Derrik Reagan, and Robert Shaw. He expanded his musical education in New York City under the tutelage of Buster Williams, Ray Brown, Lonnie Plaxico, Matthew Garrison, Peter Washington, and Rufus Reid. Performing with the Winard Harper Trio, Pride made history accompanying Dave Chappelle on the first stand-up comedy performance at Carnegie Hall. He has shared the stage with Kirk Whalum, George Cables, Cyrus Chestnut, Charles Davis, Wycliffe Gordon, Lizz Wright, Mark Whitfield, and Johnny O’Neil, to name a few, in international jazz venues such as the Blue Note Café, Jazz Standard, Jazz Showcase, Sweet Basil, the Ravinia Institute, The Hip Hop Conference, and numerous international jazz festivals. His TV credits include BET Jazz and VH1 performances. In 2005, he completed recording with Earl Klugh, Kirk Whalum, and Lizz Wright for the “Save Africa Project”, raising $1.65 million to aid an African village. In 2006, Pride earned an MM from Georgia State University, prior to joining The U.S. Army Band Downrange.