Born in Houston, Texas, Cora began playing drums during the ninth grade. After graduating from high school, she soon found herself performing with The Washington Ballet, The Washington Symphony Orchestra, The American University Orchestra, The Howard University Marching Band, Concert Band & Percussion and Jazz Ensemble, Marvin Stamm, Yusef Lateef, Greg Osby, Donald Byrd, Grady Tate, and Larry Ridley. Relocating to Los Angeles, Cora won the 2003 Guitar Center Annual National Drum-Off competition. Not long after, Prince happened to be in the audience at a Frank McComb concert where Cora was playing drums, and her playing caught his attention. Upon her return from a tour of Japan, Prince put together a new band with Cora on drums and her husband Joshua Dunham on bass. Officially known as the After Party House Band, they performed at major events like The Grammy Awards, Academy Awards and NAACP Image Awards shows. In May 2011, Cora joined Beyonce’s band.

Q & A

BORN IN: Houston, TX

LIVES IN: Houston, TX

DRUMMING SINCE: 1996

CURRENT BAND/PROJECT(S): Beyonce

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S): My dad, Bobby McFerrin, Evelyn Glennie, Terri Lyne Carrington, Grady Tate, Cindy Blackman, Aaron Spears, Clyde Adams, Jimmy Jam & Terri Lewis and my students.

FAVOURITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: “1321”, Prince

FAVOURITE ALBUM YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON: “Simple Pleasures”, Bobby McFerrin

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Playing Superbowl XLI with Prince

FAVOURITE SABIAN CYMBAL: 20″ HHX Evolution O-Zone