About
Tony Braunagel
If
there's one true fact, it would be to say Texas is best
known for all things large. Nothing could be more fitting
to describe the sheer feeling and grooviness that eminates
from Tony Braunagel's drumming. 
Being
born and raised in Houston more than enough provided the
grease and grits in this man's groove thang from the git-go.
Starting out at the age of 15 on a drumkit purchased from
a friend, Tony was soon cutting his teeth in the then-upcoming
R&B scene. Later on, he hooked up with such Blues luminaries
as Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Charles Brown, B.B.
King, Otis Rush, Etta James, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor and
Jimmie Reed.
In
1971, Tony bid the area farewell and followed his musical
calling to New York City and eventually to London where
a one-year stint as the house band drummer for Island Records
kept him busy. In London, he was a founding member of the
rock band "Crawler" with Paul Kossoff. Tony also
played on many records during his 5 years in the U.K.
1979
brought about a major change in Tony's life when he relocated
to Los Angeles. In 1981 Tony joined forces with Eric Burdon,
1982 Rickie Lee Jones, 1983 saw the gig with Bette Midler.
Then, in 1984 Tony took the drum chair in Bonnie Raitt's
band for her huge breakout album "Nick of Time"
and the subsequent "Luck of the Draw."
Moving
out of that band in 1991 saw the influx of many sessions
on Tony's calendar and in 1997 Tony played on Taj Mahal's
"Senor Blues" album, which won a Grammy. Then
in 2000 Tony played on and produced the Grammy-winning "Shoutin'
in Key- Live".
Tony
has played on many film scores, television shows and countless
albums both as a musician and composer. Aside from playing
drums Tony also plays bass, sings, and is a successful producer.
For a detailed list of his accomplishments, view the discography
page. Finally, as if that weren't enough, Tony has a recurring
role on the ABC sitcom "According to Jim" starring
Jim Belushi.
Tony
Currently resides in the Los Angeles area and is now a member of the "Robert Cray Band".
