Sonny Emory

Sonny Emory All Access 360

Biography

Sonny Emory

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.

PHX Polar White Set

PHX

The ultimate musical instrument for drummers

Color Variation Available Other Colors Available

Recording Custom

Redefining our classic, signature sound

Color Variation Available Other Colors Available

Absolute Hybrid Maple

Absolute expression without compromise

Color Variation Available Other Colors Available

DFP-9500C

Double foot pedal version of FP9500C

CS-865

The new infinite adjustment cymbal tilter allows virtually any angle adjustment, placing your cymbals right where you want them. The hinged boom tilter clamp grips the boom more securely, and the memory lock adds extra security to keep your cymbals right where you put them. Plastic plugs in the vertical tubes prevent them from rattling, which can be picked up by microphones in the recording studio.

HS-1200D

The HS-1200D is a two-legged hi hat with a direct pull drive. The direct pull drive feels gives a strong, even feel all the way through the stroke, great for players that need a strong, powerful hi hat. The HS-1200D has adjustments for spring tension and footboard height, and the narrow footboard makes it easier to fit in multiple pedals. The new cymbal seat has a self-locking angle adjustment and reversible felt/rubber washer. The HS-1200D ships with pull rods of two different lengths so that you can set the cymbal height to fit your style. The locking clutch has also been redesigned with stronger locking rings.

HS-1200T

The HS-1200T is a two-legged hi hat with a new design toggle link drive. The toggle link drive feels lighter at the top of the stroke, and gets gradually stronger as the footboard is pressed. This gives the HS-1200T a lighter, more expressive feel. The HS-1200T has adjustments for spring tension and footboard height, and the narrow footboard makes it easier to fit in multiple pedals. The new cymbal seat has a self-locking angle adjustment and reversible felt/rubber washer. The HS-1200T ships with pull rods of two different lengths so that you can set the cymbal height to fit your style. The locking clutch has also been redesigned with stronger locking rings.

SS-950

The SS-950 has a new centered ball and socket tilter that allows almost limitless angle adjustment. The location of the tilter also allows the full power of each stroke since the force is driven straight into the vertical tube. The basket can be quickly detached from the vertical tube by loosening a single wing nut, allowing for compact storage or quick snare drum changes at a gig. The new three-arm basket design allows the SS-950 to sit almost 2" lower than the previous model.

Teddy Campbell

Teddy Campbell

American Idol