BACKGROUND Sonny Emory is a native of Atlanta who received his first drum set at the age of four. After graduating from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s in jazz performance, Sonny began his transition into becoming a professional drummer playing with Joe Sample and the Crusaders. With over 30 years of live performance and studio work behind him, Sonny maintains a busy schedule in the music industry and is highly regarded in the business. Though probably best known for his groundbreaking drumming with Earth, Wind, and Fire; Sonny has 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. He is also known for innovative visual effects during live performances that include exciting stick-twirling and back-sticking techniques. As a World-Renowned Drummer and Grammy Award Winner, Sonny is one of the greatest drummers to have come along in a while. His proficiency and style have awarded him the opportunity to record on platinum status albums such as the B52s’ Cosmic Thing and Steely Dan’s Grammy award winning Two against Nature. While Sonny is in high demand as a touring musician for what he delivers during live performances, he is equally in demand for studio work. He is a former member of the legendary group Earth, Wind, and Fire, having held down the drum seat for thirteen years. Sonny has additionally played with artist that include Bruce Hornsby, Jennifer Lopez, Lee Ritenour, Bette Midler, Steely Dan and he is currently touring with Eric Clapton. PROFESSOR With a wealth of teaching experience, Sonny is committed to balancing academics and entertainment. He served as an Adjunct Professor of Applied Percussion at Georgia State University. Additionally, Sonny teaches private lessons to assist students in developing their craft and setting long-term goals to be successful in their chosen musical endeavors. CLINICIAN Sonny has performed countless clinics and master classes in academic settings, drum stores, and during national music conferences, both independently and for his endorsers YAMAHA Drums and ZILDJIAN Cymbals. COMPOSER/MOVIE CREDITS Sonny co-wrote the tune “Crusin”, which can be heard on the score to Spike Lee’s 1998 film “Get on the Bus”. Also, he worked on the “Lethal Weapon II” soundtrack with Eric Clapton and David Sanborn. He most recently performed on the score to Spike Lee’s 2015 film “Chiraq”. Sonny released several projects, including “Hypnofunk” produced by the late, Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind and Fire. Sonny has also released a jazz project entitled “E.S.P.”, and a funk project entitled “Love’s Pure Light” and “Rock Hard Cachet” featuring Eric Clapton and Bruce Hornsby. “Sonny Emory’s Cachet – Love is the Greatest” was released on Universal Jazz is in 2017. His CD entitled “Full Tilt featuring Sonny Emory” was released on February 14, 2020, through Emory Music Group (EMG). Sonny’s latest CD entitled Soul Ascension will be released in late 2021, through Emory Music Group (EMG). PROJECTS/DISCOGRAPHY 1984 – Serious – Landslide Records 1995 – Hypnofunk – Sun/Moon Records 1999 – The Love Element 2004 – E.S.P. 2005 – Love’s Pure Light 2008 – Rock Hard Cachet 2017 – Love is the Greatest 2020 – Full Tilt featuring Sonny Emory 2021 – Soul Ascension 2023 – Lost in the Sunshine/single and video release 2026 – One Way in One Way Out/single release ENDORSEMENTS Sonny is endorsed by YAMAHA Drums, ZILDJIAN Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Remo drumheads, Shure Microphones, Meyers Sound Systems, Toca Percussion, and LP Percussion.