Life & Work with Kenneth Thornton II

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Thornton II.

Hi Kenneth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
It began at Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Orange Mound. My family belonged to that church for years and my father was the drummer there (R.I.P.).

As a child, I always enjoyed watching him play because there was this big burst of joy that he seemed to carry while playing. It also had an effect on the congregation, because no matter what was being played, you could stand in the back row and see the whole church sway from side to side. From then I knew I wanted to play!

My father didn’t teach me much and I never understood why. Until I got older! For me, it made my urge to play stronger because I felt that I had a point to prove to him and everybody who kicked me off the drums for not playing “well enough”. I later found out that it was because he didn’t want me to sound like him and that would force me to explore and find my own style. Fast forward to 2012. I had just been honorably discharged out of the Navy and had no clue what was next for me.

Oddly, I had a strong urge to play again even though I was unsure if I had a future in the music business due to being away from music for so long. I began to practice heavily and work odd jobs in the Seattle area. PTSD made it very difficult for me to keep work going, but nothing could make me quit music. It was my medicine, honestly.

After dropping out of college for the second time, I just decided to take a stab at being a full-time musician. A long story short, I started attending jam sessions and going to auditions. Through a lot of hardships and hard work, I worked my way into being able to call music a full-time job.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve definitely had bumps in the road. You name it: Being homeless, sleeping on floors, gigging for low pay, auditioning and not getting the spot, etc.
Those hurdles taught me what questions to ask prior to gigs, being clear about my intentions, and displaying humility at all times! Nothing has been easy but it has always been just right.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a drummer, a vocalist, and an aspiring producer.

Currently, I’m touring with recording rock artist Ayron Jones out of Seattle, Washington. I’m proud of the courage and vision I’ve gained throughout my journey.

What makes me unique is my will to be different and not be afraid to break the rules when it comes to music and knows how to make things fun even in the midst of any complication.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I think the best advice I can give is what my Grandmother used to preach to me on the daily basis, “If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again.”

No matter what you’re involved in and how challenging it becomes. Don’t quit! Especially, if you love it.

I’m a firm believer in things always being as they should. Whenever I was ready to learn something, in some way, shape, or form, the lesson found me and I always paid close attention.

Contact Info:

• Email: bobbyjimmidrums@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigsexydrums/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010670805395
• SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/bobby-jimmi