Tammy Susan Hurt

Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy

What is Tammy Susan Hurt known for?

Tammy Susan Hurt, born in 1965, is a highly celebrated American drummer, producer, and music industry executive renowned for her diverse contributions to the world of music. Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, she attended the local Joseph Wheeler High School, where her passion for music was nurtured as she participated in a variety of bands, including marching, concert, symphonic, jazz, and numerous garage bands. Interestingly enough, Hurt began her professional drumming journey at the tender age of 14.

Over the years, Hurt's remarkable talent has seen her perform live and record with multiple Grammy-winning groups and producers such as the Indigo Girls, Brendan O'Brien, and Nick DiDia. Her unique musical project 'Sonic Rebel' attracted significant attention, being prominently featured in Atlanta's Creative Loafing magazine. Aside from her music projects, she co-founded the Georgia Music Partners and is well-recognized for her advocacy in the music industry.

One of the standout moments in her career took place in 2020 when she launched Sonic Rebel Music, debuting the release of "Run". This first track from the debut EP “We Made This With Our Hands” was exclusively launched on Twitch during a special Fortnite in-game activation. From then on, she has continued to be an influential figure, producing numerous tracks and expanding her influence within the music industry.

In addition to her successful music career, Hurt also made a significant impact within the business sector. She is the managing partner of Placement Music, a boutique entertainment firm specializing in custom music, scoring, and licensing for various platforms. Her business acumen has been recognized as she was the recipient of Catalyst Magazine’s Top 25 Entrepreneurs and Ones to Watch Award.

Moreover, her passion and commitment to music advocacy led her to become a significant figure in the Recording Academy. She served on the local Board of the Recording Academy’s Atlanta Chapter for 14 years. In 2021, Hurt was elected Chair of the National Board of Trustees, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ Officer of the Academy.

As a co-founder of the nonprofit organization, Georgia Music Partners, she spearheaded a seven-year campaign to create and pass Georgia’s first standalone music tax incentive, the Georgia Music Investment Act. This initiative made a significant impact on the state's music scene and solidified Hurt’s legacy as a music advocate.

Her dedication and contributions to music are evident in her extensive discography, which includes notable projects with Paper Dolls, Wendy Bucklew, Indigo Girls, Angela Motter, and more. Overall, her exemplary career, which spans over three decades, has made her a notable alumna of Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia.

For a more in-depth look at her life and career, you can visit her official website.

Learn more about Marietta, Georgia, the city that nurtured this amazing talent.