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Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Boone Jr.
Hi Robert, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Augusta, GA to a very musical family. I got my start learning music while growing up in the church playing alongside my dad (Robert Boone Sr – piano) and brother (Brandon Boone – bass. My brother is currently the bassist for the Tedeschi Trucks band). I went to Kennesaw State University for my undergraduate degree and Florida state university for my master’s degree, both in music. I now work as a professional musician and educator at Georgia State University. I am also touring the world with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. This is my 5th year with the band and it has lead to many other great opportunities for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road is not always smooth but it is very rewarding because of that. The entrepreneurial aspects of being a professional musician can be very tough to navigate, especially right after school. It takes time to build your “brand” so to speak. Brand meaning your reputation, your network, how you present what you do, and how you are able to monetize all of it. A lot of people are talented but talent alone is not enough.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional drummer and educator here in Atlanta, Ga. I teach jazz percussion at Georgia State University. I have also been touring with The Legendary Count Basie orchestra since 2017. With this orchestra, I’ve been able to perform all over the world – Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Switzerland, Germany, London, and all over the United States. Many of these shows have brought along opportunities to work with artists such as Billie Eilish, Kurt Elling, Gretchen Parlato, Christian McBride, and others. I take pride in being versatile enough to be able to handle any show situation, no matter how big or how small. Being able to share the gift of music all over the world is truly a dream come true for me. I’ve wanted to do it since I started playing drums in church as a child.
In town, I play a variety of styles of music which is exactly what I love to do. I play jazz, funk, blues, soul, gospel, and Latin music, often in the same week. I also help host a weekly jazz jam session on Wednesday nights at Red Light Cafe! This is truly one of the driving forces behind what keeps the community of musicians so close and connected. It’s a place of fellowship and a place for students and musicians of all levels to work on their crafts in a public setting. The Atlanta music scene is really great and I am lucky to be involved with such a diverse and talented community.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
For me, it’s all about preparation. I try to always do as much preparation as I can before a show, recording session, tour, etc. so that nothing catches me by surprise in the moment. You can really solve a ton of problems by just thinking a few steps ahead in whatever you are doing. The more you prepare, the less you have to worry when it’s time to perform. As a performer, that is the ultimate goal. To be able to get to that place that allows you to focus 100% on your art. That is how we can most truly express ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robertboonemusic.com
- Instagram: @robertbmusic
- Facebook: Robert Boone Jr.
Image Credits
@_mxolisi_ @themaryd
