ABOUT BRADLEY COLE
Childhood and musical influences
Bradley Cole was born on February 11, 1959, in Los Angeles County, California. He grew up immersed in the vibrant cultural scene of Southern California during the mid-20th century. From a young age, Cole developed a deep passion for music, particularly the rock and soul genres that defined the 1960s and 1970s. He began taking guitar lessons at the age of eight, which marked the start of his lifelong engagement with songwriting and performance. This early exposure shaped his artistic sensibilities, drawing him toward the styles of that era's prominent sounds. During his teenage years in high school, Cole channeled his growing musical interests into practical experience by joining and playing in various rock bands across California. These formative performances allowed him to refine his guitar skills, compose original songs, and connect with audiences, laying the groundwork for his pursuits in music.
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Album releases and tours
During his time in New York in the 2000s, Bradley Cole recorded and released four albums of original music: In Our Time in 2004, Live Tracks in 2005, and A Human Thing in 2006, as well as All Your Dreams, a collection of demos. These works showcased his evolution as a singer-songwriter, blending Americana and rock influences with introspective lyrics drawn from personal experiences. Cole supported these releases with extensive tours across the United States, performing primarily in intimate venues and small clubs such as CBGB's and The Bottom Line in New York, The Sutler in Nashville, Off Broadway in St. Louis, Genghis Cohen in Los Angeles, and the Saxon Pub in Austin. These tours highlighted his singer-songwriter style and allowed him to build a dedicated following through grassroots promotion. In addition to his original albums, Cole executive produced and performed at the annual Rock Show for Charity to Benefit the American Red Cross from 2004 to 2010 in New York City, collaborating with musicians including drummer Shawn Pelton, pianist Brian Charette, and vocalist Curtis King, as well as guest performers from the soap opera community. The event raised over $300,000 for the organization. Cole's music from this period, along with earlier releases, remains available for purchase as CDs on his official website and for streaming on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. His catalog can also be accessed via YouTube for select tracks and performances. More recently, Cole released the album Desert Dreams on January 6, 2026, which is also available as a CD.
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Awards, recognition, and recent activities
Bradley Cole earned recognition early in his American acting career with a nomination for Outstanding Male Newcomer at the 2000 Soap Opera Digest Awards for his portrayal of Richard Winslow on Guiding Light. He also received a pre-nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor at the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2004 for the same role, highlighting his impact on daytime television. Additionally, Cole topped fan-voted polls in CBS Soap Digest during his tenure on the show, reflecting strong audience support. In France, Cole's role as Daniel Green in the 1990s sitcom Les Filles d'à Côté cemented his status as a beloved figure, contributing to the show's enduring cultural popularity and his ongoing recognition among European audiences. The series, which aired from 1993 to 1995, showcased his charismatic presence and helped bridge American and French entertainment styles, with Cole later reflecting on its lasting fanbase in interviews. This role marked a significant chapter in his international career, fostering a dedicated following that persists today. More recently, Cole returned to French television in 2021 with several guest appearances on the soap opera Les Mystères de l'amour, in the recurring role of Brad Holloway. On the music front, he has continued developing his indie rock catalog, with his latest album Desert Dreams released in January, 2026, which blends classic rock influences with personal storytelling and has been promoted actively through his Instagram account. As of 2024, Cole remains engaged in creative projects, maintaining an active presence via his official website and social media platforms.