Burke, Sonny, 1914-1980

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

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)