Cedric Carl Dent, a native of Detroit, studied at the University of Michigan (B.M., vocal music education, 1985), the University of Alabama (M.M., music theory/ arranging, 1987) and the University of Maryland (Ph.D., music theory, 1997).

In 2004, Dent was appointed Geier Visiting Professor at Middle Tennessee State University. He joined the faculty of the MTSU School of Music full- time in 2005. A frequent guest lecturer, Dent has lectured at the University of Michigan, Dearborn (2006); Berklee College of Music (2005); the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota (2004); and the University of California, Irvine (2001). He held the Roy Acuff Chair of Excellence in the Creative Arts at Austin Peay State University in 1999. Also in 1999, he hosted a music education series on Nashville Public Television for children in grades 5–8 called Music to My Ears. His research interests include the historical and harmonic development of black gospel music, and vocal jazz group arranging and performance. His doctoral dissertation traces the harmonic development of the black religious quartet singing tradition.

As a baritone vocalist, music arranger, and producer, Dent is a member of TAKE 6, which has released eleven recordings for Warner Brothers Records. In 2006, TAKE 6 released their first recording on TAKE 6 Records. One of the group’s recordings has reached platinum status (one million units sold) and three others have garnered gold. With ten Grammy awards to their credit, the members of TAKE 6 hold the honor of being the most Grammy-nominated vocal group in history.

In 1992, Dent received a Grammy award for several musical arrangements on the recording, Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration. His work included an a cappella setting of O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion for TAKE 6 featuring the inimitable Stevie Wonder. More recognition for Dent’s creative endeavors includes two Grammy award nominations, two Dove award nominations and two Contemporary A Cappella Recording award (CARA) nominations.