Famous Trumpeters: 12 Celebrities Who Play the Trumpet
Famous Trumpeters: 12 Celebrities Who Play the Trumpet
Whether you’re a person who plays the trumpet or just an admirer of fine musicianship, you need to hear the best trumpet players in the world.
That’s how you establish your tone, learn about phrasing (musical sentences), and most importantly, learn how to groove.
Most of the artists playing trumpet who are included under specific genres have crossed over into quite a few musical realms. Amazing players are versatile players.
Famous Trumpeters: 12 Celebrities Who Play the Trumpet
The trumpet is far more than a band instrument- it’s a commanding tool of expression, from royal fanfares and jazz solos to movie soundtracks and chart-toppers.
With its expressive range and commanding tone, the trumpet has been a captivating instrument for musicians.
But who are the musicians to play it? You might be surprised.
It’s not merely jazz legends or marching band fare. Stars of every kind—musicians, actors, even royalty—have tooted the trumpet, whether as a childhood activity, a lifelong passion, or an artistic hobby.
These legendary figures show that the trumpet’s mass appeal cuts across careers and backgrounds.
Whether they’re headbanging on stage or practicing in hiding, their love of the trumpet adds depth to their public persona—and can lead you to start or restart your trumpet odyssey.
Famous Trumpeters: Richard Gere
Perhaps most famous for such classic movies as Pretty Woman and Chicago, Richard Gere has been admired for decades for his charm, depth, and range as an actor. Few know, however, that his talent carries over from film to music as well.
Bred in Syracuse, New York, Gere was an active member of his high school band, learning to play the trumpet with skill. He is also a skilled pianist and guitarist with a wide variety of musical abilities.
This exposure to music early in life not only made him more refined in his artistic sensibility but assisted in supplying the discipline and emotional richness he brings to acting.
Justin Bieber
Pop sensation Justin Bieber rose to global fame with his hits Baby and Sorry, one of the most recognizable voices in modern music. But Bieber is not just a vocalist—he’s a multi-instrumentalist with impressive range.
In addition to recognizing the guitar, piano, and drums as playable instruments by Bieber, the trumpet can also be played by him.
Early exposure to numerous instruments has provided him with a very special musical advantage and enabled him to incorporate everything into the music.
This ability to relate to various instruments demonstrates both his musical aptitude and dedication to music as an art form.
Famous Trumpeters: Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler, Aerosmith’s lead singer with his mesmerizing stage presence, is a rock icon known for such arena-filling ballads as Dream On and Walk This Way. His signature voice and wild stage antics have helped define the style and tone of American rock music.
But Tyler is not only a singer—he’s also an instrumentalist. One of his myriad instruments is the trumpet, which shows us his natural musicality.
His playing other instruments reflects his boundless energy and artistic curiosity as an artist.
Samuel L. Jackson
Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson has emerged as the most recognized and accepted name in Hollywood, acting in memorable roles in Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
But before he was directing film sets, Jackson was writing in his school orchestra.
He played them all: flute, French horn, piccolo—and yes, trumpet. That early musical exposure shaped his artistic heritage and perhaps even his commanding stage presence.
With his peculiarly distinctive voice and charismatic personality, Jackson’s musical heritage is another layer on his already multi-talented persona.
Peter Weller
Best known for his iconic performance as RoboCop, Peter Weller is a triple threat whose life has found him acting, directing, and teaching.
But beyond the screen and the classroom, Weller is also a skilled trumpet player. His music career started when he was young, and he has been playing the trumpet ever since.
This dedication to music throughout his life adds extra depth to his artistic sensibility, infusing his on-screen presence with rhythm, timing, and emotional resonance.
Tom Hiddleston
Most famous for playing Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,
Tom Hiddleston is a classically trained thespian who has won accolades for his theatre and film work.
Not many are aware that he is a musician as well. In addition to playing the guitar and piano, Hiddleston also played the trumpet during school.
His musical background offers a creative outlet besides acting and contributes to his ability to empathize with a character on an emotional and deep level.
Drew Carey
Carey’s talents, though, also include music.
He participated in playing the trumpet and cornet as part of his high school marching band during his teen years.
His passion for music has continued well into his working years, adding a personal and creative touch to his life beyond the spotlight.
Victoria Wood
Late Victoria Wood was a celebrated British comedian, actress, writer, and performer who was known for her sharp, witty humor and tear-jerking storytelling.
Besides her many skills, Wood was also a great musician.
She was a skilled trumpeter and pianist, often blending her musical ability in her comedy routines.
Her trumpet playing was among the artistic assets that set apart her work as a performer, blurring satire, song, and stagecraft.
Brandon Routh
Superman Returns star, Brandon Routh has made a name for himself both in television and film. He is a pianist and has a continued passion for the trumpet, which he began playing as a youth.
His musical inclination grants him artistic versatility and provides him with an additional basis in the performing arts.
Famous Trumpeters: Kesha
Brash, bold, and unapologetically distinctive, Kesha was made a superstar by hit tracks like Tik Tok and Praying.
While best known for singing and songwriting,
Kesha is just as talented a multi-instrumentalist. She plays piano, guitar, saxophone—and yes, the trumpet.
Her skill at combining instruments into songs reflects her experimental nature and musical curiosity.
Paul McCartney
A cornerstone of modern music, Paul McCartney’s value as a solo performer and as a Beatle cannot be measured.
Respected for his instrumentals, vocals, and songwriting, McCartney began his musical life playing the trumpet—the first and only instrument he had ever learned to play.
Though he eventually shifted to guitar and bass, those initial experiences learning to play the trumpet established the foundation for his incredible musical instinct and versatility.
King Charles III
Before ascending to the throne, King Charles III was known for his dedication to public service, environmentalism, and artistic support.
Music has long been one of his loves, and as a schoolboy, he played cello and trumpet for the school orchestra.
Even though his royal responsibilities now take precedence,
King Charles’s early musical experiences show his deep respect for the cultural and emotional value of the arts.
