JIMMY KATONE

Raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, Jimmy Katone began playing drums at age 9 and started his career in the music industry as a drummer/vocalist playing for several bands throughout the East Coast in the 80s and 90’s. He played drums with Hit The Ground Runnin' from 1985-1991. They have released 4 albums including their newly re-released, remastered versions of "Sudden Impact" on AOR Heaven Records and "Control Yourself" on Pride and Joy Music.

After his departure from the band in 1991, he began a solo journey under the name Katone and over the next 25 years recorded 6 studio albums, 2 EPs and a compilation album… writing, producing and playing all instruments on the releases. As of 2021, Katone is back drumming with Hit The Ground Runnin'. He's currently recording a new album with the band for release in 2024 and just finished shooting several new videos in support of the upcoming singles. The official Hit The Ground Runnin’ biography written by Marcus Mason was released October 2023 and is available in bookstores worldwide.

Update 5/2024

This has been quite a busy year so far with seemingly project after project. While I’m in the last quarter of the new Hit The Ground Runnin’ album I’ve also been a guest drummer on several others. The Mason album (sole drumming duties) “I Can’t Wait” is complete and awaiting release in fall 2024 and I’m currently shooting videos for the singles. 

I’m also playing on Ritchie Newton’s (Metalheads Forever) album “Higher Power” with a late year release and will be shooting that video soon. I’ve been laying down drum tracks for Philadelphia based 11:11 and JUDYEA and currently very deep into those albums. And I’ve also contributed some drums on the upcoming Pole-X (Paul Piccari) solo album. On the Katone front, I just shot a new video which will be out next month as well as working on my next solo album. Just a quick reminder to follow me on YouTube if you haven’t already at katonemusic_official and check out my brand new 2024 merch at Zazzle Shop Katone7 Here’s to an amazing summer! Cheers 

-JK