Sully Erna

About

Salvatore Paul Erna Jr. (born February 7, 1968) is an American singer, musician, and songwriter, best known as the vocalist and rhythm guitarist for rock band Godsmack. He is also a harmonica player, drummer, and percussionist, performing these on albums and at live shows. He was ranked 47th in the Top 100 Heavy Metal Vocalists by Hit Parader.

Sully Erna was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He began playing drums at the age of three. His father, Salvatore Erna Sr., is a trumpet player from Sicily and would rehearse in the basement where Sully would watch. His great-uncle was a famous composer in Sicily. At the age of 11, Erna discovered it was easier playing by ear rather than reading sheet music. He stopped taking lessons and practiced at home, rehearsing to records by Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Motörhead, and Rush.

At 14, Dave Vose became Erna’s new instructor. He signed his first record deal in 1993 with a band called Strip Mind. Their debut album What’s in Your Mouth sold fewer than 50,000 units. Some of the band members (mainly the singer) and Erna didn’t get along, and Erna was booted out. They split-up shortly after.
In Godsmack concerts,…