Tony Royster Jr. is only 21 years old and has been playing drums since the age of 3. Often referred to as a "prodigy" by his fans, he has participated in numerous drummer 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 veteran drummer 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, and favorite drummer, Dennis Chambers.
Most importantly, Tony is 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.
Tony Royster Jr. is now with rock group, LazyEye. Check 'em out! - LazyEyeNEW!
Tony is spending much of his summer accompanying pop legends, En Vogue
on their international concert tour. For all of the tour dates, please see the appearances section below.
Tony is now the drummer for, Imajin, New Flava. Check out this awesome band.
College plans include the University of North Florida.
Tony has been jamming with 17 year old bass player phenom, Jon Reshard.
Further collaboration is to be expected from these two incredible young players.
Drummer, Tony Royster Jr. hooks up with notorious
R&B legends, "Imajin". Dates and more info to be announced.
Vic Firth, one of the largest and most respected drumstick manufacturers in the world, has released
the new Tony Royster Jr. Signature DrumStick. They're a spin off of the old SD4 Combo, but now in a hickory wood. A great all-around stick for rock, jazz, latin and funk. Please see your local dealer.
Awards! - Drummer Tony Royster Jr. walked away with the "Louis Armstrong Jazz Award" for outstanding achievement this year on his instrument. This prestigious award recognizes superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity. If that weren't enough, he also received a "Senior Award" for his accomplishments in band.
Tony bowls a PERFECT SCORE (A 300!!) in his YABA bowling league.
Tony has recently been playing the Zildjian "FAST CRASH" line of cymbals.
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