Sonnyboy

Shel Riser, better known as Sonnyboy, was born in Monroe, Louisiana. He began his musical career in the Baptist churches of Milwaukee, WI. And it was there he learned to play multiple instruments in a more traditional Gospel/R&B style. Inspired by his uncle, Blues singer Sonny Green, a well known musician from Louisiana, Sonnyboy began to explore the music of the blues tradition. It took moving to Minneapolis...

traditional Gospel/R&B style.


Inspired by his uncle, Blues singer Sonny Green, a well known musician from Louisiana, Sonnyboy began to explore the music of the blues tradition.


It took moving to Minneapolis, MN with only his guitar and the clothes on his back for Sonnyboy to throw himself fully into exploring the forbidden 'devil music' of Funk, Reggae, Rock and Hip Hop, prevalent in 'Paisley' music scene. After a few months busking the streets of downtown Minneapolis, Sonnyboy quickly earned a reputation as an exceptional musician which paved the way for his acceptance into the Minneapolis music scene. He began working with artists under the Paisley Park label,The Parliament Funkadelic Family, as well Mary Harris of Spearhead and countless other Artists. Sonnyboy has shared the stage with The Black Crows, The Skatalights and performed at venues as prestigious as the world fames Paisley Park Studios.

Sonnyboy soon immersed himself in a full Hip Hop Hippie and blues music lifestyle which put him on a fast and at times dangerous track. Cheating death in a near fatal car crash he found himself back on the streets where he started.

Rededicating himself to his music, Sonnyboy began to focus his energy and creativityon song writing, composing and the production of his own music. Having released 5 albums under his own label, co-producing his own music videos, and starting his own record label Art Form Entertainment has gained him the reputation of being a workaholic. He eventually developed his own unique sound and formed the 4-piece band 'Sonnyboy'.

The pinnacle of his Minneapolis success was being named in Rolling Stone Magazine, as one of the best unsigned bands in Minneapolis. With this endorsement, Sonnyboy moved the band to New York in hopes of finding an environment of greater potential for musical growth. The choice proved to be a wise one as his perseverance, talent and NY exposure earned
him an appearance on BET's J list, TV ones Get the Hook Up and countless performances throughout the US and Europe.

Sonnyboy is a multi-talented artist who has brought forth a unique and creative sound that has been compared to the likes of Sly & the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix , James Brown and even Jamiroquai.