Dante' Pope uses his roots based in the church to uplift and continue the legacy of Black American Music. He’s a multi-genre percussionist from the westside of Chicago, currently based in Washington, DC. As a product of the Black church, Dante’ grew up with the influences of gospel, blues, jazz and soul. Upon his entry into the Merit School of Music, downtown Chicago, the classical world of percussion became his passion as he was exposed to musical styles from all over the world. Dante’ attended Fisk University and toured the country with the world renowned vocal ensemble, Fisk Jubilee Singers. Collaborations with luminaries in country, gospel and world music communities made for a great foundation to inspire and add color to Dante’s musical palette.

Dante’ is a professional touring percussionist and solo recording artist. With over 11 solo releases and a diverse discography featured on vocals and percussion, his sound and spirit intertwines genres. Dante’ is the newest addition to Grammy Award Winning, Nashville based group, Old Crow Medicine Show as the percussionist and featured vocalist. He was also featured on percussion and vocals on the 2019 Grammy-nominated album called, ‘Black Cowboys,’ with Dom Flemons and Smithsonian Folkways. The smooth sound of soul called his name in 2016. He has served as drummer and music director for soul artist and lyricist Raheem Devaugh and Wes Felton, known as The Crossrhodes. His arranging and musicianship was featured for their NPR Tiny Desk Concert in 2017.

Through service and education programs he uses his diverse musical background as a conduit for change through percussive clinics, community events and partnerships with local performing arts and education institutions. He’s partnered with the Kennedy Center, The Strathmore Center for The Performing Arts, DC Mayor’s Youth Summer Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Chicago Public Schools and DC Public Schools, just to name a few. Currently, he is working with neuroscientist turned playwright, Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver on her project, "Finding Rhythm." The Kennedy Center Family Stage in October of 2022 and is currently running a pilot program with DC Public Schools in 2023.

Dante’ teaches snare drum technique, drum set: jazz, gospel, hip hop, pop, hand percussion: rhythm bones, congas, cajón, vocal performance coaching in gospel, soul, funk, jazz, American roots music, and fundamental piano introduction.