Sabian - Because Sound Matters

Facts

Country	United States
Groups	BB KING, TONY COLEMAN GROUP
Genres	Jazz,Blues,R&B
Website	http://www.myspace.com/tonytccoleman

Add to My Favourites

Biography

Tony Coleman is best known for touring with BB King, however music has played a role in Coleman's life since birth. Born in Kissimmee, Florida his grandmother soothed his infant cries by placing a transistor radio in his crib. Weaned on Soul, Country, Gospel, Jazz and Rhythm & Blues, in the 60's Tony gravitated to the music of James Brown. Tony’s father is Carlton"King"Coleman, who was a disc jockey, performer and MC at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, N.Y. Along with Mr. Brown, King created the new dance craze"the mashed potatoes".

In high school, Tony's first pro gig was with a James Brown inspired band "Bobby Williams and the MarKings". In 1977 after 3 years in the Army Coleman headed to Chicago. He joined Chicago Soul singer Otis Clay touring the U.S. and his first international tour of Japan. He became one of the most sought after drummers on the Chicago Blues and Soul scene, backing Buddy Guy, Tyrone Davis and others. A jam session with BB King, led to Tony joining his band briefly in the late 70's. Tony moved to Dallas in 1980 to work with Johnnie Taylor and eventually Bobby Blue Bland. In 1990, after years of touring and recording with several Blues and Soul bands as well as doing his own music, Tony returned to BB King. He has since toured 90 countries. In 1998 Tony was voted best R&B drummer in Drum Magazine. He has also been nominated many times in Modern Drummer.

Currently, Tony is with BB King's Band touring Worldwide and performing with his own band. Tony plays and endorse's the following drum gear exclusively: Pro-Mark Drumsticks since 1980, Remo Drumheads since 1984, SABIAN Cymbals since 1985, Mapex Drums since 2007. Tony says these companies are extremely important to his drumming career.

Artist Set-up

...with SABIAN Cymbals I am not just an artist, I am family