Info
Duane Norman is a versatile and skilled drummer who began his career as a full-time, professional musician in 1987. He has done both studio work and live performances with some of the biggest names in music. He has successfully worked in a variety of genres from jazz to country and has established himself as the “drummer of choice” with many professionals.
Early Beginnings
While attending the legendary Creative Music Studio in New York, Duane studied and performed with jazz legends Ornette Coleman, Dave Holland, Ed Blackwell, Bob Moses, Oliver Lake, and Karl Berger. Early in his career he worked for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and recorded a jingle for one of their most successful advertising campaigns. During this time, Duane traveled the Caribbean, South America, and Mexico absorbing the rhythms of the various cultures he encountered.
In 1997, Duane began to focus his career more on studio work and performing with various artists. Since this time he has successfully performed on live television, recorded with various artists, and toured all over the world.
Music and Recording Industry Credits
Duane continues to perform and record with a truly amazing array of artists in almost every genre of music. For a listing of some of the artists whom Duane has performed with, go to the credits section.
Broadway and Film Work
Duane has toured and performed with many Broadway companies. He worked on the Broadway productions of Grease, 42nd Street, Pippin, Annie, Godspell, Purlie, Oklahoma, Man Of La Mancha, Seussical and The Wizard Of OZ. Duane recorded music for the Kevin Kline film “Consenting Adults” as well as for the Kevin Costner film “For The Love Of The Game.”
Corporate Work
Many corporations have utilized Duane’s talent in their advertising and promotions. Duane’s drumming can be heard in a variety of advertisements for such companies as Honda, Toyota, Hardees, Delta Airlines, Cartoon Network, Popeye’s, United Way, SunTrust Bank, Turner Network Television, CNN, Coca-Cola, and NBC.
Special events and performances
Duane has entertained enormous crowds when he performed at some of the sporting world’s biggest events. Duane’s talent was utilized during performances at the World Series for the Atlanta Braves and at Super Bowl XXVIII.
In addition, Duane has entertained some of our nation’s highest officials when he performed at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain and again at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. During these performances his audiences have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Other appearances include the Sundance Film Festival and live performances on VH1.
Duane currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee where he is active performing with a variety of artists, recording sessions, and teaching 20+ students. He has performed globally with multi-platinum, Grammy award winning artist Crystal Gayle for the past 20 years.
Recent highlights include performances in Europe, South Korea, Stagecoach Festival and a concert at Carnegie Hall.