Sonny Emory (born December 23, 1962) is an American singer, songwriter, drummer and percussionist. Emory is a former member of the band Earth, Wind & Fire. He has also worked with artists such as Bruce Hornsby,
Early years
Sonny Emory is a native of Atlanta, Georgia who received his first drum set at the age of five. He attended Frederick Douglass High School. He graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor's degree in Jazz and Classical Performance. After graduating, Emory began his career as a professional percussionist.
Professional career
At first Emory played the drums on guitarist Bruce Hampton's 1987 album Arkansas and then upon keyboardist Joe Sample's 1987 LP Roles. Emory also went on to join the band Earth, Wind & Fire during 1987. He played on the band's 1990 album Heritage, 1993 album Millennium and 1997 album In the Name of Love.
As well he performed on saxophonist Brandon Fields 1988 album The Traveler. Emory then featured alongside Eric Clapton and David Sanborn on the soundtrack of the 1989 feature film Lethal Weapon 2. Emory later played the drums on The B-52's 1989 LP Cosmic Thing, Phyllis Hyman's 1991 album Prime of My Life, Peabo Bryson 1991 LP Can You Stop the Rain and Chic's 1992 album Chic-ism.
Teaching career
Emory lectures as an adjunct professor in Applied Percussion at Georgia State University.