ZURI APPLEBY was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. Her involvement with music began at a very early age, singing in the church choir directed by her mother, music teacher and arts activist Linda Appleby. Zuri continued her passion for music from that point playing and experimenting on the piano, French horn, guitar, and violin from fifth to eighth grade.
Her father, Buffalo music legend Rodney Appleby, piqued her interest in bass guitar around the age of 12, and she fell in love at first touch. Zuri graduated from the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, majoring in instrumental and vocal performance. She joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating, where she was the first black women bassist to ever serve. Upon honorable discharge and serving four years active duty as a Marine bandsman, she went back to Buffalo where she began gigging and touring both locally and abroad.
Zuri became a high-demand bassist in Buffalo, which brought her to her first gig with major touring artist Nick Jonas. After breaking into the pop scene with Nick Jonas, Zuri went on to work and tour with artists such as PARTYNEXTDOOR, Willow and Jayden Smith, Adam Lambert, Lizzo, and many more.
Zuri is currently based in LA, where she is a touring and session musician for hire, as well as a private music instructor.
Drama and passion and the way that they are expressed through the arts, nature and the design of life; funk, gospel, African cultural arts, be-bop jazz
Bassists: Derrick Hodge, Victor Wooten, Larry Graham, Meshell Ndegeocello, Thundercat, Rodney Appleby
Bands: Earth, Wind, & Fire, Parliament
If you are interested in working with Zuri Appleby for pro music services or performances, please email us at info@buffalomusicclub.com.
Bass guitar
Bass guitar
Bass guitar