Burke, Sonny, 1914-1980

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Big band leader and arranger during the 1940's and 1950's.

From the description of Sonny Burke papers, 1949-1951 and undated [195-?] (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 35199576

  • 1914, March 22: Born Joseph Francis Burke in Scranton, Pennsylvania
  • 1937: Graduated from Duke University
  • 1930's - 1940's : Big band leader in New York (including Sam Donahue's band)
  • 1940's - 1950's : Band arranger, including Charlie Spivak & Jimmy Dorsey bands Is credited as co-composer of Midnight Sun, the Lionel Hampton tune with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Active as an arranger & bandleader in major recording studios, including Decca Records; Burke was musical director of Reprise Records and was responsible for many of Frank Sinatra's albums Bandleader for recordings of leading singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme.
  • 1980, May 31: Died
Partial discography: Sonny Burke plays Mambos (1951) Sonny Burke and his Orchestra I & II (1951) The Sonny Burke-Don Elliott Six (ca. 1960)

Further biographical information may be found in: The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music.Chester, CT: New England Pub. Associates. 1992, v. 1, p. 368.

From the guide to the Sonny Burke Papers, and undated, ca. 1949-1951, (Duke University. David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)

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Person

Birth 1914-03-22

Death 1980-05-31

Americans

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Ark ID: w6p85c41

SNAC ID: 26880982