Tony
Royster Jr.
is only 18 years old and has been playing drums for 15 years now. He was born in
Germany on October 9th 1984, and currently resides in Georgia. Tony is
often referred to as a "prodigy" by his fans, he has participated in numerous
events and contests worldwide including the 1995 Guitar Center National Drum-Off
competition in Hollywood, CA which he won at the ripe old age of 11! Tony is
becoming accustomed to high-profile performances that include TV's Nickelodeon
House Band (lead by Paul Shaffer of the David Letterman show), the Jenny Jones
show, the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards show, and an international tour in 2001
backing #1 selling Asian artist, Hikaru Utada. Additionally, he is regularly
invited to perform at prestigious events worldwide such as PASIC (Percussive
Arts Society International Convention), Modern Drummer Festival, the Montreal
Drumfest, and the Florida Drum Expo.
Proficient in numerous styles, Tony excels at Funk, R&B, Latin, Rock, and Jazz.
He has performed alongside such notable drummers as Dennis Chambers, Billy
Cobham, Steve Smith, Sheila E., and Chester Thompson. He has also graced the
stage with legendary musician's Branford Marsalis, Paul Shaffer, Jimmy Jam and
Terry Lewis, among others.
Tony Royster Jr. was voted
#1 Up and Coming Drummer
by Modern Drummer magazine 2000 readers' poll and has been voted #2 in the UK
2001 readers' poll. He has appeared on the cover of the millennium issue of
Modern Drummer magazine with Dennis Chambers and continues to receive high marks
that earn him endorsements with companies such as DW Drums, Zildjian Cymbals,
Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, LP percussion, Drumframe, Shure microphones,
Warner Bros. Publications, HQ percussion products, Drumometer, and Specialty
Cases.
Tony's talents have carried him across the globe to Europe, Japan, and Asia but
in 2001 he achieved substantial international acclaim with the Warner Brothers
video release of, "Common Ground", featuring Tony with his mentor, Dennis
Chambers.
Most importantly, Tony is an honor roll student and a positive role model for
all kids. His motto is "Be cool, stay in school" and he sets the standard for
personal achievement among his peers.
