Bernard Drayton’s 48-year career in the music industry began in his native New York, after his graduation from Boys High in Brooklyn.

Beginning in 1963 as a recording engineer with Magno Sound, Bernard recorded music and location sound for films and for such television shows as Candid Camera and ABC Sports specials. While at Magno Sound, he also became associated as producer and program director with radio station WLIB, the first commercial all-jazz station in New York City. There he was responsible for producing and programming music and specials.

It was while producing WLIB’s Del Shield’s show that Bernard captured the New York club performances which became the nucleus of his live jazz recording collection, in which the last live recording of JOHN COLTRANE was captured.

In 1968, he went on to join Herman Edel Associates, a premier production house of music for commercials, rising to the level of Vice President for sales, promotion and production. Under his auspices HEA created music for a wide variety of clients including Proctor and Gamble, TWA, Pepsi Cola, Burger King, McDonalds and the Miller Brewing Company.

Recognizing the growing alienation in the marketplace by minority groups long ignored by many sponsors, Bernard created a new division at HEA to produce commercials for ethnic audiences. The growing affluence and more demanding purchasing power of Afro-Americans and Hispanics found a gap in the advertising of major products for this market, and Bernard has fostered a new awareness among the advertisers, following through by servicing them with appropriate music for their message.

Bernard is currently the founding partner of the music production company Last Minute Entertainment. Last Minute specializes in developing innovative music & sound for any genre. Whether it’s advertising,television,film,or the internet. Utilizing the talents of established recording artists as well as many exciting newcomers, Last Minute redefines Multimedia production with diversity, drawing on ideas and professionals from around the world.

Bernard still resides in Brooklyn with his wife Isadora.