2. Joe Conner, Jr., is a multi-talented musician hailing from
Philadelphia, PA. A drummer and auxiliary
percussionist, trained in the classical and Latin genre, Joe
began playing drums at his father’s church at the early age of
seven. With success coming early on, by the age of 12, Joe began
sharing his skills by giving lessons to beginner students as well as
some of his peers. His formal study began at the Settlement Music
School with Philadelphia Orchestra Percussionist, Susan Jones.
He subsequently continued his training under the tutelage of great
veteran drummers such as Craig McIver, Skip Hadden, Bertram
Lehman and Casey Scheuerell. Through his vigorous training
and study, he has become an extremely skilled musician on Timpani,
Congas, Bongos, Cajon, Vibes and Marimba. He has also been hand
selected to attend Master Classes with world-renowned musicians
Peter Nero, Odean Pope and Branford Marsalis.
Though his roots are in gospel music, his exposure to many
different genres at the Girard Academic Music Program (High
School) in Philly, allowed him to develop his own style and feel for
rock, classical, Latin, hip-hop, jazz, caribbean/junkanoo, neo-soul
and rhythm and blues. When asked of some influences, Joe
acknowledges being heavily influenced by many hometown
drummers like fellow Berklee College of Music alumni “lil John”
Roberts, Philly “Joe” Jones, George “Spanky” McCurdy,
Andrew Tingle, Eric Tribbett, and Eric “Booty” Green. Joe, has
already compiled an impeccable resume as he has served the
Church of God in Christ Inc. (COGIC) as drummer in their
jurisdictional and district meetings, drum instructor for the Mt
Sinai Christian Academy, manager of Musically Inclined Productions
(M.I.P.) in Boston, and one of the musical directors at his father’s
church. Joe Conner was rewarded a scholarship to attend The
Berklee College of Music, where he graduated with a
degree in Music Business & Management but not before managing
backing bands he played in as well as for others that have worked
with a long list of esteemed artist that include American Idol
Finalist John Stevens, Jordin Sparks, Noel Gordin, Bobby
McFerrin , Jessie J, Mickey Factz, Bilal, Jordan Knight,
Meshell Ndegeocello, Walter Beasley, Kid Cudi, Diggy
Simmons, Rhythm Monks, JoJo and. Sammy Adams who he’s
toured extensively with.
BiO!
3. Influences!
Lil’ John Roberts!
George “Spanky” McCurdy!
Tony Royster Jr. !
Aaron Spears!
Buddy Rich!
Steve Gadd!
Chris “Daddy” Dave!
John Blackwell!
Gerald Hayward!
Tito Puente!
Dennis Chambers!
Travis Barker!
Dave Weckl !
Walter Beasly!
Teddy Campbell!
Nisan Stewart!
Craig McIver!
Eric “Booty” Green!
Elvin Jones!
Terri Lyne Carrington!
Ralph Peterson!
Skip Hadden!
Sheila E. !
Philly Joe Jones!
Louis Bellson!
Rex Hardy!
4. Tours & Performances!
Level 3 w/ JoJo
Party Records US Tour w/Sammy Adams
One Church Int’l w/ Tye Tribbett
TAO Nightclub w/ Rhythm Monks
Recent Selective List!
Barstools Back to School US Tour w/ Sammy Adams
The Sofitel w/Jordin Sparks
Counterpoint Music Fest w/ Rhythm Monks
The Kimmel Center w/Bobby McFerrin
5. Currently Endorsed or Affiliated With!
Vater Drumsticks! Factory Metal Percussion!
Soultone Cymbals!
Taye Metal Works Hardware!
Monster Energy Drink!
Heads Up Brand Hats!
Pacific by DW Drums!
