Born in Atlanta, Sonny received his first drum set when he was four years old. Sonny graduated from Georgia State University in Jazz Performance and began his journey to become a professional drummer, playing with Joe Sample or the Crusaders. Sonny has over 20 years experience in live performance and studio work and is highly respected in the music business. Although he is best known for his drumming with Earth, Wind, and Fire, Sonny has also performed with a number of jazz musicians, including Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, JeanLuc Ponty, Boz Scaggs, Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Bette Miler, Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, JeanLuc Ponty, and Al Jarreau. Sonny is also well-known for his innovative visual effects, which include stick-twirling or back-sticking techniques during live performances. Sonny is a Grammy Award winner and a World Renowned Drummer. Sonny’s skill and style has allowed him to record on platinum-stat albums like the B52s’ Cosmic Ting and Steely Dan’s Grammy winning Two Against Nature. Sonny is equally sought after for his studio work and live performances. Sonny was a former member of Earth, Wind, and Fire and held the drum chair for thirteen years. Sonny also has credits with Bruce Hornsby and Jennifer Lopez, Lee Ritenour and Steely Dan, to name a few. He is currently performing with Bette Midler, Bruce Hornsby and working on his solo album. Sonny was recently invited to headline the opening night of Atlanta Jazz Festival 28th Annual. He now leads State of the Art, an ultra-funky progressive aggregation formerly known under the name Hypnofunk. Sonny has a lot of teaching experience and is dedicated to finding the right balance between entertainment and academics. Sonny is an adjunct professor of applied percussion at Georgia State University. Sonny also teaches private lessons, helping students to improve their craft and set long-term goals to achieve their musical dreams. Sonny has given master classes and clinics in educational settings, drum shops, and at national music conferences. He also performed for his endorsers ZILDJIAN Cymbals and YAMAHA Drums. Sonny recently gave a clinic in Melbourne Australia. He is currently working on the first phase of Emory’s Performing Arts Center in partnership with Deerwood Academy, Atlanta, Georgia. Sonny co-wrote the song “Crusin”, which can also be heard on the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s 1998 film “Get on the Bus”. He also worked with Eric Clapton, David Sanborn on the soundtrack to “Lethal Weapon II”. Sonny released Hypnofunk in 1996, a solo album produced by Maurice White, Earth, Wind and Fire’s founder. Sonny is endorsed YAMAHA Drums. Shure Microphones. Meyers Sound Systems. Toca Percussions. From www.drummerworld.com
