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Sonny Emory
Sonny Emory
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Sonny Emory with his Authoritative Groove has been playing drums since 1991.
Biography:
The foundation of music can sometimes be derived from the steady rhythmic sounds of a kick drum combined with a high hat and snare. Often musicians in a band will find a source of energy in the steady beat of the drummer. We have all witnessed thousands of concert-going fans in a subconscious state of rocking as a show progresses through a long list of world-renowned hits. If you have had the pleasure of witnessing Sonny Emory, you will agree that he has mastered the discipline of providing the musical foundation upon which many of those hits have been built.

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. In 1986 a move to Los Angeles proved to be the place where opportunity met preparation. There he 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's credits are many. 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.

Sonny draws from all aspects of music as a producer/performer. In 1996, he released "Hypnofunk", a solo project co-produced by Earth, Wind & Fire's founder, Maurice White. This project displays the musical flavors of jazz, R&B, rock and funk, reflective of his band, with the same name. Hypnofunk blends hypnotic grooves and smooth vocals. Hypnofunk, the band, provides Sonny the artistic vehicle to bring the world his message through music.

Yamaha Drums is proud to be associated with such a talented musician and friend.
Gear:
Acoustic Drums:   Oak Custom or Birch Nouveau
(the product codes below represent the Oak Custom)

NBD-822U 22x17 Bass Drum
NTT-808J 8x7 Tom
NTT-810U 10x8 Tom
NTT-812U 12x9 Tom
NTT-814 14x12 Tom
NTT-816 16x14 Tom
NSD-1260M 12x6 Musashi Snare Drum
WSD-1455SE 14x5.5 Sonny Emory Signature Beech Snare Drum

SKRM-100 Subkick

Hardware:
CHH-920 Closed Hi-Hat Holder
(2) WS-955 Double Tom Stands
TH-945 Bass Drum Tom Holder
(5) CS-845 Cymbal Boom Stands
CSAT-924 Multi Clamp
(2) CH-745 Cymbal Holders
HS-950 High Hat Stand
(2) SS-940 Snare Drums Stands
DS-1100 Hydraulic Drum Throne
DSM-100 Drum Throne Back Rest
FP-9310 Flying Dragon Single Pedal
DFP-9310 Flying Dragon Double Foot pedal