KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — When Usher takes the stage for this year’s Super Bowl halftime performance, a Kalamazoo native will be among the musicians who join him.
Darek Cobbs is a 2008 graduate of Portage Northern High School who says music has always been a part of his life.
“Both of my parents sing. My cousins play instruments,” Cobbs said. “I would say around 2 or 3 years old, I started playing the drums, and I was just always around music in church. And then I started taking piano lessons around 4.”
Coming out of college, Cobbs said videos he made with friends went viral on YouTube, which helped him become noticed. He also made the move to Los Angeles with a chance to propel his career.
“I just wanted to do it at the highest level. And as soon as I got there, people showed me so much love, and it was a huge blessing. I didn’t have to struggle long,” Cobbs said.
Throughout his career, Cobbs has worked as a musician on the side, produced shows and concerts and worked on live arrangements for some of the biggest names in music.