John Roberts
One of the most sought after Jazz and R & B Drummers of his generation, John “Lil’ John” Roberts has maintained his status in the industry as the ultimate heartbeat. A native of Philadelphia, John quickly became noted as a child prodigy, playing along side Christian McBride and Joey Defranceso at the age of 16. Collectively, the trio was also a part of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, a project created and directed by Wynton Marsalis, composed of 22 of the country’s best young jazz musicians.
John’s formal studies began in 1991 when he was awarded a full scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. John studied at Berklee for two years where he then left to further pursue his touring career starting with R & B and Hip Hop artist Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith). Afterwards he went on to tour with Dionne Farris, Xscape, Monica, The Goodie Mob, and Joi and soon after that was called to fill the shoes of drummer Jonathan Moffet touring with Janet Jackson at the very early age of 23. John completed three successful tours with Janet Jackson that opened the doors to a whole new world of opportunities.
Having worked and recorded numerous records with George Howard who turned him onto the Contemporary Jazz Circuit. John found himself working nonstop with Jazz artists such as Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Najee, George Benson, Rachelle Ferrelle, Jonathan Butler, Everette Harp, Boney James, Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Kirk Whalum, Bob Baldwin, Eric Essix, Rick Braun, Gabriela Anders and Gerald Albright, to name a few.
His list of credits also include many of the industries greatest such as: Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Prince, Sheila E, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Al Green, BB King, Paula Abdul, Yolanda Adams, Ne-Yo, Bruce Parham, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Patti Labelle, Juanita Bynum, India.Arie, Queen Latifah, Joss Stone, Raphael Saadiq, Lucy Pearl, Musiq Soulchild (Musical Director), Jill Scott, Kindred, Bilal, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dog, The Time, Frank McComb, Mos Def, Common, Earth, Wind and Fire, again, and a host of others.