If you load this UTube Clip of Yonrico Scott talking and playing the drums, you will be able to listen to his style as you read about the development of his career.
The Boy
When students research the style of an artist and how it developed, the most important place to look for influence is towards the kinds of music he or she would have enjoyed as a child. Like all fantastic musicians, Yonrico Scott began his relationship with music at an early age.
- Gospel Music was a major influence on Yonrico. His mother, Ruth N.Scott encouraged him to play with the top Gospel bands of Detroit by the age of 7.
- He was also involved with the “thriving spirit of the Detroit Motown” in a profound way. (Everyone's Drumming.com)
- By the age 14 he was studying with Motown drummer George Hamilton.
The Young Musician
He was well educated and had some distinct advantages that enhanced the prospects of a young musician.
- He was popular! For example at the University of Kentucky during his first year, he was voted Drummer of the Year.
- Also, he was able to study his craft in a formal manner. This earned him a Bachelor's degree in performance percussion from Kentucky State University in 1978.
- He was also well mentored, studying under Dave Davenport, professor of percussion and principle timpanist of the Lexington Philharmonic.
Community Involvement
In 1979, he became the Artist in Residence at the Neighborhood Arts Center’s Department Of Cultural Affairs. Working in the community, this way is always a bonus for young artists because it gives them space to kindle relationships and foster a good rapport with and understanding of audience. By the time he became artist in residence, he was known as the most sought-after studio drummer in Atlanta.
International Acknowledgment
Over the course of 25 years of exciting career Yonrico has been of benefit to and benefited from playing with great artists such as Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and a whole string of other great artists.
Since 1995, Yonrico has been touring, recording, and writing. When time permits, he still gets involved in community. On the drumming website Everyone's Drumming, you will see how he has painted unique drums as a way of raising money for The Big House Foundation.
Commitment To The Craft of Drumming
The work of an artist is consistent and time consuming. The band is consistently on tour and plays over 150 shows per year both nationally and internationally. The band has toured to places like Japan.
When Yonrico is not touring or performing with The Derek Trucks Band, he is performing with his own band, The Yonrico Scott Band, which includes Atlanta greats Kofi Burbridge and Todd Smallie. They have a debut album named Turning the Corner, which was released in January 2004.
Drums - A Variety of Instruments
There is a lot of scope for experimentation and improvisation in the field of drumming. Yonrico’s instruments of choice are: LP Percussion, Everyone’s Drumming, DW Drums, Zildjian cymbals and sticks.
If you have an interest in drumming or are a fan of Yonirico Scott tell us about it on the discussion boards.
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