BIOGRAPHY
Sonny Emory, born December 23, 1962 in Atlanta, Georgia, is an American drummer and studio musician, best known for his drumming with Earth, Wind & Fire, Steely Dan, Bruce Hornsby, and the B-52's.
Receiving his first drum set at age 4, Sonny was influenced by the quality time spent with his father, a saxophonist and his grandfather, a keyboardist, jamming in their home. Sonny played in his elementary and high school bands and went on to become a part of the orchestra and jazz ensemble in college. A move to Los Angeles in 1986 proved to be the place where opportunity met preparation. It was there that Sonny began his transition to becoming a professional drummer, playing with Joe Sample and the Crusaders.
Sonny has an on-going commitment to balancing academics and entertainment. He is a graduate of Georgia State University with a B.A. in Jazz Performance. As a part time professor of applied percussion at Georgia State University, Sonny believes that success comes from God-given talent, staying in school, developing your craft, and setting long-term goals.
Sonny Emory's credits are numerous. From 1987 to 1999 he held down the drum chair with the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire. He co-wrote the tune "Cruising" with members of that band, which can be heard on the score to Spike Lee's 1998 motion picture, Get On the Bus. He also worked on the Lethal Weapon II soundtrack with Eric Clapton and David Sanborn. Sonny has recorded, and or performed, with a virtual "who's who" in pop and jazz music, including, Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, Jean-Luc Ponty and Boz Scaggs.
