Fred Coury, born in Johnson City, New York, began his musical journey playing violin at age 5. At age 7, he was a student at the Beirut Conservatory of Music in Lebanon, and added playing drums and trumpet at age 12. By 13, he was already performing in local bars with the band Sunjammer. A transformative moment came when he saw The Who, Heart, and J. Geils Band play at CNE Stadium in Toronto, solidifying his dream of becoming a professional drummer. Coury’s career took off when he joined the band Cinderella in the mid-1980s, leading to extensive tours and significant success. He also substituted for Guns N’ Roses’ Steven Adler, Poison’s Rikki Rockett, and Night Ranger’s Kelly Keagy, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Coury’s transition from rock drummer to acclaimed film and television composer stemmed from his deep-rooted passion for music and an interest in storytelling. His breakthrough came with NBC’s series The Night Shift, where he scored all four seasons, earning multiple ASCAP Awards for his emotionally resonant and dynamic scores. Coury continued to build his reputation with the faith-based film Full Count, further solidifying his ability to craft music that enhances the narrative.
Coury’s recent television credits include the SYFY series The Ark, a sci-fi drama about the struggle for survival on a spacecraft following a planetary disaster, and the Amazon Freevee series Almost Paradise, a crime drama about a retired DEA agent forced back into action, both produced by Dean Devlin. These projects exemplify Coury’s ability to create tension-filled, emotionally charged scores that elevate storytelling.
In addition to his work in film and television, Fred Coury has contributed to the sonic identities of major sports teams. Since 2008, Coury has worked with the Los Angeles Kings, creating their iconic goal song, “Power Ride,” and scoring the Emmy-nominated Black & White series. His music accompanied the Kings through two Stanley Cup wins. Coury also provides custom music and sonic branding for the Portland Trail Blazers since 2014 and, in 2023, began working with the Detroit Red Wings and in 2024, the Detroit Tigers.
Currently, Fred dedicates his time to composing in his Los Angeles studio, Double Forte Music. With a multi-award-winning career spanning television, film, and sports, Coury remains a sought-after composer in the industry.