HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (June 28, 2006) — The Hard Rock Cafe in Atlanta, Georgia invited Yamaha drummer and Atlanta native
Sonny Emory to join its Hard Rock Cafe Wall of Fame. Emory donated his complete Yamaha
Oak Custom drum kit and his Yamaha
WSD-1455SE Signature Snare to be displayed in the restaurant. His drum kit will become part of the permanent exhibit in Atlanta, while his Yamaha Signature Snare will be in rotation for display at other Hard Rocks around the world.
"It's good to see that the Hard Rock Cafe, which is home to so many remarkable pieces of music memorabilia and history, recognizes and appreciates all that Sonny has done and continues to do for the music industry," remarks Joe Testa, international artist relations manager,
Yamaha Drums.
Emory even took time out to meet with Hard Rock Cafe staff, so they could get to know him and learn about his career. This education allowed the staff to better explain about Emory and his achievements to their dining guests. The Hard Rock Cafe is located at 215 Peachtree St. NE in Atlanta.
Emory graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor in Jazz Performance, where he now serves as an Adjunct Professor of Applied Percussion. With a wealth of teaching experience, he has performed countless clinics and master classes in academic settings, drum stores, and during national music conferences.
Though probably best known for his groundbreaking drumming with Earth, Wind, and Fire, Emory has performed and worked with a virtual "who's who" in pop and jazz music including Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Bette Midler, Bruce Hornsby, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, Jean-Luc Ponty, Steely Dan, and Boz Scaggs. As a world renowned drummer and GRAMMY Award-winner, he is also known for innovative visual effects during live performances that include exciting stick-twirling and back-sticking techniques.
Currently, Emory leads his own ultra funky progressive band, State of the Art, formerly known as Hypnofunk. His latest solo CD
Love's Pure Light is in stores now.
