Johnny Friday | Drums
Johnny Friday was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and has been living on the West Coast, between LA and Las Vegas since 1988. He has been playing music professionally since the young age of 8, working with his father’s weekend band. He attended the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts on a music scholarship and began touring soon after.
Some of the artists he has toured, performed and recorded with include Tom Scott, Natalie Cole (DVD “Ask a Woman Who Knows” live in London), Bobby Caldwell, Rickie Lee Jones, Al McKay (Earth, Wind & Fire), Marie Osmond, Eric Marienthal, Rickey Minor, Ellis Hall, Wayne Bergeron, Rick Braun, Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night), David Benoit, Patti Austin, Martin Nievera, David Foster, Bill Champlin and Stevie Wonder.
Johnny has been touring, performing and recording with Arturo Sandoval since 2010 to present, including a special performance at the White House. He recently recorded some of the soundtrack for the Clint Eastwood movie, “The Mule.”
Johnny’s television performances include American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The Chevy Chase Show (house band), The Bonnie Hunt show (house band), The Jerry Lewis Telethon (house band) as well as films, commercials and jingles. Johnny has also been a part of various awards shows including The People’s Choice Awards, The TV Guide Awards and The Emmy Awards including the 9/11 Emmy Awards featuring Barbara Streisand.
Johnny first played with Jerry Lopez and Santa Fe in Las Vegas from 1990 to 1992. He and Jerry then went out to perform and tour with Tom Scott. He is enjoying playing once again with Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns.
Johnny would like to thank his endorsers Gretsch Drums, Paiste cymbals, and Regal Tip sticks.