Albert Austin "Sonny" Burgess was an iconic figure in the rockabilly music scene, known for his fiery spirit, wild performance style, and a raucous sound that captured the frenetic energy of early rock and roll. Born on May 28, 1929, in Newport, Arkansas, Burgess grew up in a milieu that was ripe for the birth of rockabilly, with country, blues, and gospel music all around him. He broke onto the scene as part of the Sun Records roster, the legendary Memphis label that also launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Sonny Burgess and his band, the Pacers, are noted for their 1956 hit "We Wanna Boogie," an electrifying record that became a staple in the rockabilly genre. His style, distinguished by his wild guitar playing and rowdy vocals, often incorporated a blaring trumpet, which was unusual for the genre but became a Burgess signature. Throughout his long career, Burgess continued to record and perform, leaving a significant impact on the rockabilly community and influencing countless musicians. His body of work includes a number of revered albums and singles, with his classics being preserved through releases like "Sun Record's Must Haves! Sonny Burgess" and "Live at Sun Studios." Before his death on August 18, 2017, Burgess had not only solidified his place in the pantheon of rockabilly legends but also connected the genre's past to its future by tirelessly performing well into the 21st century.

Genres

Rock-and-roll

Rockabilly

Traditional Rockabilly

Latest Release

Mary Lou

Sonny Burgess

Single - Released August 10, 2023