
Tony Royster, Jr (born October 9, 1984 in Berlin, Germany) is a German born, American drummer. He was raised in Hinesville, Georgia and graduated from Liberty County High School class of 2002. At the age of 3, he began to learn how to play the drums from his father. Son of Tony Royster Sr. and Gayle Royster, and has one brother Calvin Royster, all still reside in Hinesville.He is known for winning the Guitar Center National Drum-Off competition Hollywood in 1995 (at the age of 11), being voted #1 Up and Coming Drummer by Modern Drummer magazine and in 1997 he was the Modern Drummer festival, being the youngest to shock the crowd. He soon had his first video called Common Ground on Inspiring Drummers Series. 2000 readers' poll and being voted #2 in the UK 2001 readers' poll. He is known for his use of the Moeller method as well and his blazing hand and foot speed. Tony excels at Funk, R&B, Latin, Rock, and Jazz. He has endorsement deals with DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, LP percussion, Drumframe, Shure microphones, and Warner Bros. Publications. Some of his influences are Dennis Chambers, Jim Chapin and Billy Cobham.
Royster Jr. has played with Imajin, Lazyeye, New Flava, and En Vogue. He performed on the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards show at the age of 15, and an international tour in 2001 backing #1 selling Japanese artist Hikaru Utada as well as performing with Paul Shaffer (of Late Show with David Letterman) in the Nickelodeon House Band. In addition, he is also currently playing with Francisco Fattoruso, Jay-Z, Joe Jonas and his own band. Royster Jr. released the videos "Pure Energy" (2007), and The Evolution of Tony Royster (2009), which are both inspirational than instructional.
Most recently, Royster Jr. joined Joe Jonas' band on tour in the United Kingdom in Fall 2011. On August 22, 2011, he was the featured artist on Late Show with David Letterman, performing a drum solo for Drum Solo Week II. Royster Jr. was also featured The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on November 3, 2011, and on Conan on November 7, 2011, alongside Joe Jonas.
