Drummer Richie Onori, born and bred in Los Angeles, has built his career working with some of the most influential musicians in the fields of rock and jazz, including, among others, Keith Emerson, Richie Sambora, Rick Derringer, Steve Lukather and Robbie Krieger.



A versatile percussionist with the ability to perform in many styles, hard rock has always been one of Richie Onori's favorite genres--not surprisingly, having grown up cutting his teeth on Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Deep Purple. Early in his professional career, Richie was part of popular L.A. progressive rock band Satyr, featuring ex-Quiet Riot members Pat Regan and Chuck Wright.



In the early 90s, Richie Onori forged what would evolve into a lasting alliance with British axeman Stuart Smith after the two jammed together at a local watering hole called the Captain's Cavern. After joining former Rainbow front man Joe Lynn Turner for some well-received live dates in Chicago, Richie and Stuart made the acquaintance of famed keyboardist Keith Emerson at the House of Blues on L.A.'s legendary Sunset Strip, and the pair teamed up with Emerson in his Aliens Of Extraordinary Ability.



Richie and Stuart went on to form the critically-acclaimed "Heaven & Earth Band," whose self-titled debut album featured an impressive roster of guest appearances, including such notable names as Carmine Appice, Glenn Hughes and Steve Priest, just to name a few. The follow-up release, "Windows To The World," featured former Blue Murder vocalist Kelly Keeling. In 2004, Onori and Smith formed a record label, "Black Star Records," and released a Heaven & Earth EP entitled "A Taste of Heaven."



Recent developments in Richie Onori's career include composing, arranging and performing on his recently completed solo CD entitled "Three Wishes," and his achievement of All Access Magazine's Best Male Drummer award in the Rock, Melodic and Blues Category.



Richie Onori owns his own guitar accessory company, Onori Accessories, and his Woodland Hills home boasts a full recording and production facility called The Wine Cellar, which houses an array of fine vintage gear and a specifically designed drum room.