Sonny Burke | |
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| Born | Joseph Francis Burke (1914-03-22)March 22, 1914 Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | May 31, 1980(1980-05-31) (aged 66) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | American composer, musical arranger,big band leader, and producer |
Joseph Francis "Sonny"Burke (March 22, 1914 – May 31, 1980) was an American musical arranger, composer,Big Band leader, and producer.[1] He was a prominent figure in the U.S. music industry, particularly inLos Angeles.
While he was one of the top composers and arrangers in the country for many years, his later career was more widely known for his production work. Burke's legacy is found in the numerous recordings he contributed to, as his work touched many people's lives, often without them knowing his name.[2]
Born to Francis P. Burke and Rhoda Nihany inScranton, Pennsylvania, Burke was raised inDetroit, Michigan, where he attendedSt. Ambrose High School and earned All-State honors as afullback.[3][4] He briefly attended theUniversity of Detroit, playing for coachGus Dorais, before transferring toDuke University. At Duke, he formed and led theDuke Ambassadors, a jazz big band.[5]
During the 1930s and 1940s, Burke was a big band arranger inNew York City, working withSam Donahue's band. He continued this work into the 1950s, arranging for the bands ofCharlie Spivak andJimmy Dorsey, among others. In addition to his work as an arranger for Spivak's band, Burke also composed their theme song, "Stardreams."[1]
He also wrote the music for several popular songs, including "Black Coffee" and "Midnight Sun" with jazz vibraphonistLionel Hampton; lyrics for "Midnight Sun" were later added byJohnny Mercer.[1] In 1953, he co-wrote songs withJohn Elliot for the animated short filmToot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom, which won anAcademy Award for Best Animated Short Film.[6] In 1955, Burke collaborated withPeggy Lee to write the songs forDisney's Lady and the Tramp.
Burke became an active arranger, conductor, and A&R man at major Hollywood record labels, especially atDecca Records where he worked with Charles "Bud" Dant. He also wrote and arranged the theme for the early 1960s television showHennesey, a jazzy update of "The Sailor's Hornpipe".
Later, as musical director ofWarner Bros. Records andReprise Records, Burke was responsible for many ofFrank Sinatra's albums.[1] He notably produced Sinatra's recording of "My Way" in 1969. He also producedPetula Clark's "This Is My Song", which was written byCharlie Chaplin for the movieA Countess From Hong Kong.
He also served as a bandleader for recordings by leading singers such asDinah Shore,Bing Crosby,The Andrews Sisters,The Mills Brothers,Ella Fitzgerald,Mel Tormé, andBilly Eckstine.[1]
On February 8, 1960, Burke was awarded a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6920 Hollywood Blvd.[7]
Burke died from cancer on May 31, 1980, inSanta Monica, California, at the age of 66.[1] His interment was atHoly Cross Cemetery inCulver City.
He was married to Dorothy Gillis Burke and had four children: Gaylord, Peter, and twins Jerry and Tom Burke. His sister, Rhoda Burke Andrews, was the mother ofPunch Andrews, the longtime manager forBob Seger.
