Today we’d like to introduce you to AD Bonner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a native of Dallas. I attended South Oak Cliff High School and was a drum major my senior year and DISD Most Outstanding Musician Award. I earned a scholarship to several bands but chose Grambling State University. I became a drum major my sophomore year and the head drum major the following season. At Grambling, I was able to travel the country including, New York, Detroit, Chicago, San Diego, Palo Alto, and much more. During my time at Grambling, I was able to meet President Clinton, Jesse Jackson while being around historical Grambling Legends Eddie Robinson and Doug Williams. I am most famous for writing the song Talking Out of the Side of Your Neck or simply called Neck. I wrote this for Grambling’s Band to go against Texas Southern, who I credit to be the band that played it most consistently. This arrangement went viral before viral became a thing. After graduation from Grambling, I returned to the area and began teaching.
After starting my education career in FT Worth, I came to Lancaster High School, where I have been the head director and fine arts department lead for 15 years. During my career, I have sent several students to many colleges and have been great musicians. Some of my former Drum Majors have been featured by Voyage, including Kevin Hawkins Music, Jeremiah Solomon- Wreck. While being an educator, I was able to organize a community band compiled of students from all over the DFW metro area. The name of this group was called the DFW All-Star Band. It helped end rivalries, united students through music education, and provided the band with lifelong experiences, I have always been a performer and musician. I started my entertainment company after playing for several booking agents and shows. Adeebo Productions was created as a platform to host entertainment/artists, vendors, and more. As a parent company, Adeebo Productions serves as the major brand for the entities, including AD Bonner Music, Saxxy Slim, and Bonner on The Beat DJ and Audio Services. We are capable of hosting event, supplying audio, being the party DJ, Saxophonist For Weddings/Receptions/Proposals, Family Reunions, Private Engagements, and much more. I am frequent music producer at various studios in Dallas and Fort Worth, including Session Works. I have collaborated and featured with several artist from KG the Artist, Joe Mayberry, TAN, and many more.
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 have had to learn some things over the years. Everything won’t go according to plans. I have had to play at several smaller events, play for no money, and be treated poorly from venue host. In college, I had to endure some jealousy and traps set from adults. Being at a college in Louisiana, sometimes rocks were thrown at me for being from Dallas. I had a professor try to attack my career but God kept me strong and guided me around the mountains placed in front of me. I have a documentary coming out soon produced and written by Christan Gillam, Corey Gillam, and Jay Williams. It will feature this year and detail some of the issues I faced as a student. Losing my mother in 2018 changed my life. I was missing that cheerleader and supporter I always had in my corner.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The name Adeebo Productions came about thru my high school friends. I would quote the movie Friday’s character Deebo. I would say, “Who else wants some? who else wants some of Adeebo? from that point on I became Adeebo. I became a promoter and started hosting my own shows. I started the Dallas Artist Showcase and have featured many artist form the DFW area. I look for talent and try my best to push them to represent Dallas. I’m known for being one of the band directors that changed the Dallas band scene. I’m known for producing beats, arranging for bands, and building drum majors. What sets me apart, I’m born and raised in Dallas, from the Oak Cliff streets and love the city like no other. I can go to any venue and be known from Oak Cliff, GramFam, Stop Six, Arlington, and all over. I play Hip Hop Jazz, I can take an instrumental and put some Saxxy Slim on it to spice it up. I haven’t been to a studio that hasn’t used my works for their top artist. I can play organ, piano and gather the best musicians in Dallas to handle any event.
How do you define success?
I define success with a growth mindset approach. I believe we are all lifelong learners and can learn something new everyday. Building connections, networking with other promoters, musicians and etc. defines success. When I’m in Los Angeles, several studios call me to come sit in. Also, in Texas, being a regular in Austin and Houston has helped build my brand and become a steady performer throughout the state. Sending students to colleges and watching them become huge selling recording artists, producing, and performing makes me feel successful. I feel that any part that I played in their development in the music world is a token of respect from me. Everybody likes a winner, I consider myself a winner despite obstacles and challenges.
Pricing:
- Wedding DJ – $600
- Proposals $150
- Reunions – $200
- Beats – $50
Contact Info:
- Email: adbonnermusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: adeeboproductions and adbonnermusic
- Facebook: adeeboproductions and adbonnermusic
- Youtube: adbonnermusic
Image Credits
AD Bonner Adeebo Productions Bonner on Da Beat Saxxy Slim AD Bonner Music
