As a composer, producer, actor, vocalist, songwriter, educator, talent manager and recording company executive, Stix Hooper has at least as much, and quite possibly more knowledge about virtually all aspects of music than anybody in the business.

A native of Houston, Texas, Stix developed interest in music and the drums at a very early age. In junior high, he began devoting much of his time to the study of all aspects of music. Studying at Texas Southern University, Stix had continual coaching from members of the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He also studied at California State in Los Angeles, and received coaching form well-known private instructors.

This intensive musical education helped Stix polish his artistry and enabled his craftmanship to be so diverse that he's been able to perform and collaborate
with a wide range of artists in the mainstream of jazz, pop and contemporary music.

Stix has performed, collaborated, composed and/or produced for a wide variety of music greats, including Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, George Shearing, Elton John, Joe Williams, Eric Clapton, Arthur Fiedler, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London, B.B. King, Grover Washington, Jr., Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt and many others.

In addition, Stix has contributed much to the world of music and to the Jazz Community through his work with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammy organization.) He served as the National Vice Chairman (the first African American to do so), and served three terms as President of the Los Angeles Chapter of NARAS, the largest of all the Chapters. He was the first ever three term President, and only the second African American President. His work with NARAS, the Grammy Awards and music education has been extensive and important to kids and adults all around the world.

Among the many awards Stix has garnered are 12 Grammy nominations and numerous #1 awards from various media along with several keys to major cities and numerous international honors including an invitation to the White House.

And, oh yes, there’s that “little” jazz group he formed, The Crusaders. They paved the way for so many jazz artists to be heard on mainstream radio, television and other mass media. That would be enough success for most, but not Stix Hooper.

Credited with creating an entirely new style of drumming, the jazz/funk pioneer is a man of all seasons. A noted world traveler, STIX has acquired a “Masters” in frequent flyer miles. He’s toured/visited Japan over 50 times and numerous trips to Europe, South America, China, Africa, Mexico, the Philippines and beyond. A master fisherman, accomplished long distance marathon runner, he’s also a chef of note and won first place in a Dallas cook-off for his seafood crepe. Because of his background he also enjoys the roots of southern cooking and down home barbecuing. Acting in TV commercials and network series, he’s truly a man of all seasons.

And what about the proud Dad? There’s another famous Hooper on the horizon. His son, Trevor, former star football athlete at Stanford, is now a professional free agent. Following in her father's footsteps, daughter Meghan is a talented singer and performer with a impressive credit list of her own.

So what is next for the man who has charted new territory, broken new ground, and mastered numerous “hobbies,” turning them into passions? Stix’s recent  performance with his band, Viewpoint, at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, garnered this critique from the Los Angeles Times. Writer, Don Heckman, said, “Drummer Stix Hooper’s band, Viewpoint, set the bar high for what was to follow. Paced by Hooper’s dynamic percussion work, the group moved easily and smoothly from brisk mainstream jazz to more propulsive grooves.” Viewpoint is just one of the many ventures in Stix's vast and varied repertoire. Could a trio, big band, a production or something else also be on the horizon?    Stay tuned.

Website :- www.stixhooper.com