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Sonny Emory

Sonny Emory (born December 23, 1962) is an American drummer, percussionist, singer, and songwriter, renowned for his versatile contributions to , rock, and across over four decades of professional work. Raised in , , where he received his first drum set at age four and drew early influences from local and scenes, Emory earned a in Jazz Performance from and later served as an of applied percussion there. His career gained prominence in 1987 when he joined the legendary band as their drummer, performing with them for 13 years until 1999 and contributing to their signature blend of , , and . Emory's extensive session and touring work includes collaborations with high-profile artists such as Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Bruce Hornsby, Lee Ritenour, and the Crusaders, appearing on platinum-selling albums like the B-52's Cosmic Thing and Steely Dan's Two Against Nature. He has also contributed to film soundtracks, including Lethal Weapon II alongside Eric Clapton and David Sanborn, and co-wrote the track "Cruisin'" for Spike Lee's 1996 film Get on the Bus. As a Grammy Award winner, Emory received the honor for his participation in Steely Dan's Two Against Nature, which was named Album of the Year in 2001, and he has released solo projects such as the 1996 album Hypnofunk co-produced by Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, Rock Hard Cachet (2013), Love is the Greatest (2017), Full Tilt (2019), and Soul Ascension (2021), while continuing to tour with artists like Eric Clapton as of 2025.

Early life and education

Childhood in Atlanta

Sonny Emory was born on December 23, 1962, in , , where he spent his formative years as a native of the city. He grew up in a musically inclined family that fostered his early interest in rhythm and performance; his father, a saxophonist named Edward "Sonny" Emory Jr., and his mother, an early-childhood specialist who worked as an in the Atlanta public school system, created an environment rich in musical exposure. Both parents emphasized and creativity, with his father often involving him in family jamming sessions alongside his grandfather, a keyboardist, which sparked Emory's innate sense of groove from a young age. Emory's musical journey truly began at age four when his father gifted him his first drum set, a miniature Zim Gar kit that ignited his passion for percussion. He quickly progressed by playing in family and community settings with his father, absorbing the soulful rhythms of and developing a foundational feel for ensemble playing in Atlanta's vibrant community settings. The city's dynamic music scene, blending , , and influences prevalent in the and , further shaped his early development, exposing him to live performances and local artists that reinforced his dedication to drumming as more than a . During his high school years, Emory attended High School in , graduating in 1980, and participated in the school's bands, where he honed his skills through structured group performances and marching ensembles. These experiences provided his first formal opportunities to collaborate with peers, building technical proficiency and a sense of musical camaraderie in a school known for its strong arts programs within the city's diverse cultural landscape.)

Formal education

Sonny Emory pursued formal musical training at , where he honed his skills in percussion and . Building on his early interest in that began at age four, Emory enrolled in the university's music program, focusing on structured academic development to complement his innate passion for rhythm. During his undergraduate studies, Emory engaged in coursework centered on and classical , including applied percussion lessons that emphasized technical proficiency on and mallet instruments. The program's curriculum integrated theory, ensemble playing, and classical rudiments, allowing him to develop a versatile style blending improvisational flair with precise execution. He participated actively in university ensembles, such as combos and percussion groups, which provided hands-on training in collaborative and —key elements that refined his adaptability across genres. Emory's time at Georgia State was marked by immersive experiences in formal jazz studies, where he cultivated advanced drumming techniques through rigorous practice and performance opportunities. These included workshops and recitals that exposed him to diverse rhythmic patterns, influencing his signature groove-oriented approach to percussion. Although specific mentors from the faculty are not prominently documented, the program's emphasis on disciplined training under professional guidance shaped his professional readiness, culminating in his graduation with a B.A. in Jazz Performance.

Professional career

Early professional work

Emory's entry into professional drumming occurred in the mid-1980s, shortly after earning his in jazz performance from , where he had participated in the school's jazz ensemble. He immersed himself in Atlanta's thriving local music scene, performing as a with ensembles spanning R&B, soul, and jazz, which helped cultivate his reputation for versatile, groove-oriented playing. His first prominent studio recording came in 1987 with drummer duties on guitarist Bruce Hampton's album Arkansas, a project recorded at Southern Living Studios in that blended , , and improvisation. That same year, Emory contributed drums to keyboardist Joe Sample's jazz-funk album Roles, produced by Sample and , featuring collaborations with musicians like and . These sessions marked his initial forays into national-level recording while still rooted in his Atlanta connections. Emory's growing profile led to higher-visibility work, including drumming on the 1989 soundtrack for the film , where he performed alongside , , and others on tracks such as "" and orchestral cues composed by . This credit highlighted his adaptability across genres, from rhythms to cinematic scoring, solidifying his status as an emerging studio percussionist before major touring commitments.

Collaboration with Earth, Wind & Fire

Sonny Emory joined as their drummer in 1987, bringing a fresh energy to the band's percussion section during a pivotal period of transition and revival. His tenure lasted until 1999, during which he contributed to the group's signature blend of , , and R&B, emphasizing tight grooves and dynamic rhythms that supported the band's uplifting horn arrangements and vocal harmonies. Emory's drumming is prominently featured on the 1990 album Heritage, where he provided the rhythmic foundation for tracks blending influences with the band's classic soul sound. On songs like "Takin' Chances" and the "Heritage," his precise, pocket-driven beats enhanced the R&B elements, incorporating layered percussion that amplified the album's themes of cultural pride and musical legacy. Similarly, on the 1993 album , Emory's contributions infused soulful tracks with infectious grooves, such as the mid-tempo rhythms on "Sunday Morning" and "Blood Brothers," helping the record achieve a modern yet nostalgic vibe that peaked at No. 8 on the R&B chart. He also contributed to the 1997 album In the Name of Love, providing dynamic percussion that supported the band's evolving fusion of R&B and elements. In live performances and tours throughout the late and , Emory played a key role in maintaining Earth, Wind & Fire's high-energy stage presence, delivering extended solos and synchronized percussion sections that heightened the band's and groove elements. His style, characterized by a balance of technical flair and spacious feel—influenced by studying masters like —allowed for seamless integration with the ensemble, ensuring the live renditions captured the expansive propulsion of their studio work.

Other notable collaborations

Following his tenure with , Sonny Emory expanded his career as a versatile session and touring , contributing to a range of jazz-rock, R&B, soul, and pop projects across multiple genres. Emory provided drumming on Steely Dan's Grammy-winning album (2000), notably on the track "West of Hollywood," where his precise rhythms enhanced the band's signature jazz-rock fusion elements. In the late 1990s and , Emory participated in tours and recordings with several prominent artists, including guitarist on albums such as Alive in L.A. (1997) and This Is Love (1998), as well as live performances like the 2011 set featuring Ritenour, , and Melvin Davis. He also toured extensively with during this period, contributing to live shows that blended and , and later solidified his role in Clapton's band through ongoing world tours into the 2010s and continuing as of 2025, including the ECUS tour. Additionally, Emory supported Bette Midler's live performances, including her 2015 30-city tour promoting It's the Girls! and a residency at in from 2008 to 2010, where his dynamic percussion complemented her pop and soul repertoire. From 2002 to 2018, Emory served a 16-year tenure as the for Hornsby's The Noisemakers, handling both live tours and studio recordings that showcased his expertise in -infused rock and improvisation-heavy sets. Emory has maintained ongoing engagements in R&B, , and , including percussion work on The B-52's platinum-certified Cosmic Thing (1989), which highlighted his adaptability to eclectic rhythms, and subsequent collaborations in similar genres with artists like on Prime of My Life (1991). As a songwriter, he co-wrote "Cruisin'" for the 1996 film and released solo including Hypnofunk (1996, co-produced by ), Rock Hard Cachet (2013, featuring ), and Love is the Greatest (2017). In 2023, he formed the band Lost in the Sunshine (also known as THE7EVENTHTIME) and released a debut , with live performances continuing into 2025. As a signature artist for , Emory has endorsed and utilized their equipment throughout his career, including a custom signature that has become a collectible among percussionists for its tone and durability in live and studio settings.

Teaching career

Position at Georgia State University

Sonny Emory serves as a part-time adjunct professor of Applied Percussion at , where he provides instruction in percussion performance and techniques. Having earned a in Performance from the institution in 1986, Emory returned to his after establishing his professional career to contribute to its music program. His teaching focuses on and percussion techniques, with an emphasis on performance principles drawn from his educational background. Emory stresses the development of versatility and , encouraging students to master diverse musical styles through rigorous practice—often citing the need for at least of dedicated effort to achieve competitive proficiency. In his , he blends foundational training from his with practical insights from his experiences, promoting adaptability across genres. Emory's approach to instruction is informed by his collaborations with artists such as and , which highlight adaptability across genres from intimate club settings to large-scale tours. He guides students in setting clear intentions for their careers, promoting a holistic commitment to the craft that encompasses technical mastery and real-world application.

Impact on students and music education

Sonny Emory has mentored numerous aspiring drummers through private lessons, emphasizing practical skills in developing groove, drumming techniques, and long-term career strategies in the music industry. His approach focuses on helping students refine their craft while navigating professional challenges, such as building sustainable practices and maintaining artistic integrity. In clinics and masterclasses, Emory shares insights on R&B grooves and applications, drawing from his extensive performance experience to illustrate functional chops that prioritize musicality over mere technical display. A notable example of his educational outreach occurred during a masterclass at the University of Miami's , where he advised students on audition preparation, , and personal discipline, including the importance of avoiding to sustain a career. As a long-term mentor to Frost student Justice Michael—his nephew—Emory's session inspired participants, with Michael describing it as "truly exciting and inspirational," and Frost's Steve Weingart praising the clinic's depth. This event highlighted Emory's role in fostering adaptability across genres, encouraging students to blend R&B and jazz elements for versatile performance skills. Emory's contributions extend to Atlanta's local music scene through initiatives like the 2006 Sonny Emory Drum Set Camp, where he taught rudiments, practice routines, recording methods, and drumming history to young players, promoting teamwork and professionalism as keys to survival in the industry. The camp culminated in a supporting school drumline programs, with donating equipment to enhance in underserved schools, thereby strengthening the community's talent pipeline. By integrating real-world advice on and genre adaptability, Emory has shaped a generation of percussionists equipped for diverse professional landscapes. More recently, in 2024, he conducted clinics at Atlanta Drum Shop, offering sessions on drumming techniques, lyrical playing, and professional development. He has also launched a youth drum set contest to uplift young talent and support music programs in schools.

References

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    Mar 24, 2021 · When it came out, I was really honored that I made the album. And that album was Album of the Year, so I won a Grammy for that. I can't think of ...
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    Sonny has an on-going commitment to balancing academics and entertainment. He is a graduate of Georgia State University with a BA in Jazz Performance.
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    As a World Renowned Drummer and Grammy Award Winner, Sonny is considered to be one of the greatest drummers to have come along in a while.
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    my dad (a saxophonist), and his good friend Paul Mitchell from Dante's Down ...
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    ### Musicians, Producers, and Sonny Emory Credits
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    Mar 26, 2019 · How the March 19th masterclass was made possible by Frost student, Justice Michael. Sonny Emory's Connection to Frost. By UM News 03-26-2019.