Shel Riser, better known as Sonnyboy, was born in Monroe, Louisiana. He began
his musical career in the Baptist churches of Milwaukee, WI. And it was there he
learned to play multiple instruments in a more traditional Gospel/R&B style.Inspired by his Blues singer Uncle, "Sonny Green", a well known musician from
Louisiana, Sonnyboy began to explore the music of the blues tradition.It took moving to Minneapolis, MN with only his guitar and the clothes on his
back for Sonnyboy to throw himself fully into exploring the forbidden "devil
music" of Funk, Reggae, Rock and Hip Hop, prevalent in "Paisley" music scene.
After a few months busking the streets of downtown Minneapolis, Sonnyboy quickly
earned a reputation as an exceptional musician which paved the way for his
acceptance into the Minneapolis music scene. He began working with artist's
under the Paisley Park label, The Parliament Funkadelic Family, as well Mary
Harris of Spearhead and countless other Artists. Sonnyboy has shared the Stage
with The Black Crows, The Skatalights and performed at venues as prestige's as
the world fames Paisley Park Studios.Sonnyboy soon immersed himself in a full Hip Hop Hippie and blues music
lifestyle which put him on a fast and at times dangerous track. Cheating death
in a near fatal car crash he found himself back on the streets where he started.Rededicating himself to his music, Sonnyboy began to focus his energy and
creativity on song writing, composing and the production of his own music.
Having released 5 albums under his own label, co-producing his own music videos,
and starting his own record label Art Form Entertainment has gained him the
reputation of being a workaholic. He eventually developed his own unique sound
and formed the 4-piece band "Sonnyboy".The pinnacle of his Minneapolis success was being named in Rolling Stone
Magazine, as one of the best unsigned bands in Minneapolis. With this
endorsement, Sonnyboy moved the band to New York in hopes of finding an
environment of greater potential for musical growth. The choice proved to be a
wise one as his perseverance, talent and NY exposure earned him an appearance on
BET's J list, TV ones Get the Hook Up and countless performances throughout the
US and Europe.Sonnyboy is a multi-talented artist who has brought forth a unique and creative
sound that has been compared to the likes of Sly & the Family Stone, Jimi
Hendrics, James Brown and even Jameraqui,...
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