Ernie Durawa is best known for his decade-long stint behind the drums for legendary Tejano all-star band the Texas Tornados (1989-1999). Durawa, a San Antonio native is a Grammy Plaque recording artist, Texas music connoisseur, and veteran mainstay of the Austin music scene. A master of everything from rock and r&b, to blues and jazz, to country and tejano, a signature of Durawa’s drumming is his ability to blend multiple styles into a fresh sound that is distinctly his own.
Prior to joining the Texas Tornadoes with long-time colleague and fellow San Antonian Doug Sahm, Durawa studied under Chicago drum legend Roy C. Knapp. His résumé is extensive, and includes creative output with well known Texas music icons including Delbert McClinton, Charlie & the Jives, and the Dell-Kings. He’s most recently released multiple recordings with Los Jazz Vatos, and is heavily involved with the South Austin Marimba Band, and the National Guitar Workshop’s summer music camps. Ernie Durawa is a member of the Texas Music Hall of Fame.