Cory Wong
Cory Wong (born c. 1985)[a] is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer based in Minneapolis. He has released many works as a solo artist and in partnership with others. His background spans several genres including jazz, rock, and funk. He has performed with Vulfpeck, Dave Koz, Stay Human, The Fearless Flyers, Ben Rector, Dr. Mambo's Combo, Chris Thile, Dave Matthews Band, and Dirty Loops. He released several albums in 2020, including Live in Amsterdam, a collaboration with the Metropole Orkest, and Meditations, a new-age album with Jon Batiste. His recent works include two albums released in conjunction with his variety show.
Cory Wong
c. 1985 (age 38–39)
Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
- Musician
- songwriter
- producer
Guitar, bass
2008–present
- Vulf
- Roundwound
Early life[edit]
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Wong was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is of mixed Chinese-American descent.[1][2] Growing up, he was exposed to classic rock and jazz music by his father. He took piano lessons at age nine. He was fascinated by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Primus and decided to play bass and start a band. He took guitar and bass lessons and started a punk rock band. His first instruments were a Fender Jazz Bass, a Gretsch guitar, and a Fender Stratocaster. He acquired a second Stratocaster during his senior year of high school, which remained his primary instrument until the release of his signature Fender Stratocaster in 2021.[3][4][5]
Equipment[edit]
Wong's primary equipment includes the following, Guitar: Fender Highway One Stratocaster[d] with Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups, Amplifiers: Fender '65 Super Reverb reissue and Kemper Profiler, Strings: D'Addario NYXL (.010–.046), Accessories: Wampler Ego Compressor, Vertex Steel String Clean Drive, and Strymon Big Sky.[17][18] He uses a variety of other instruments and accessories as well.[17][18] He aims for a clean tone, and often records direct.[27] In 2021, the Fender company released Wong's signature model Stratocaster guitar.[28]
Solo
Cory Wong Quartet
The Fearless Flyers
with Jon Batiste
with Dave Koz
with Dirty Loops