Episode 586 - Back To The Blues With Drummer-Producer Tony Braunagel

Aug 19, 2025

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In this episode of the Inner Circle Podcast, I talk with Tony Braunagel, one of the most respected drummers and producers in modern music.

Tony has played on more than 200 albums, including Grammy-winning records by Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, and Buddy Guy. On stage, he’s performed with icons like B.B. King, Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, and dozens more.

As a producer, Tony has worked on over 40 albums, many of which have won or been nominated for Grammys and Blues Music Awards. His credits include projects with Taj Mahal, Eric Burdon, Coco Montoya, Phantom Blues Band, and others.

In this episode, we discuss:

Tony’s journey from session drummer to Grammy-winning producer
The art of collaboration and managing egos in the studio
The financial realities of today’s music business
His vision for a new studio complex near St. Louis
Lessons learned from working with some of the biggest names in music

Whether you’re a musician, producer, or music fan, Tony’s stories and insights shine a light on the craft of performance and production at the highest level.

Recorded from Tony’s studio in Los Angeles.

Find out more about Tony at https://www.tonybraunagel.com/

Click here to watch a video version on YouTube.

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers.