Sonny Criss was an influential American jazz alto saxophonist, born William Criss on October 23, 1927, in Memphis, Tennessee. Though he moved with his family to Los Angeles at the age of 15, it was in the bebop scene of the 1940s that Criss first garnered attention. He developed a distinctive, passionate sound that easily navigated through up-tempo numbers and soulful ballads alike. His early work notably included stints with jazz greats such as Howard McGhee and Billy Eckstine, which helped him gain prominence in the jazz world.

Criss' career spanned over three decades, during which he recorded a series of acclaimed albums. Though he never achieved the mainstream popularity of some of his contemporaries, he was highly respected among enthusiasts for his virtuosic technique and emotive playing style. In the 1960s and 1970s, Criss experienced a resurgence, releasing a string of revered works like "The Complete Imperial Sessions" and "Criss Craft," which showcased his profound artistry. Tragically, Sonny Criss' life was cut short when he died by suicide in 1977 at the age of 50. Nevertheless, his recordings like "I'll Catch The Sun!" continue to captivate new generations of jazz listeners, securing his legacy as one of the distinguished performers of the bebop era.