Warren "Sonny" Sharrock was a groundbreaking American jazz guitarist known for his pioneering contributions to the free jazz movement of the 1960s and beyond. Born on August 27, 1940, in Ossining, New York, Sharrock's abrasive, textural approach to the electric guitar set him apart from his contemporaries, as he eschewed traditional jazz techniques in favor of raw, emotive expressions of sound that often aligned more closely with rock music or avant-garde art. Despite having no formal musical training and stating that he detested practicing, Sharrock had a natural affinity for his instrument and became one of the first guitarists to immerse himself fully in the sphere of free jazz.

Sharrock's career reached different audiences through a diverse array of collaborative and solo projects. His intense, fiercely original recordings included works like "Black Woman" (1969), a visceral and sprawling sonic landscape that featured his then-wife, Linda Sharrock, on vocals. In 1970, the experimental "Monkey Pockie Boo" further showcased his bold artistic vision. The 1980s saw a renaissance in Sharrock's career with the 1986 album "Guitar," stripping back to solo guitar explorations, and the critically acclaimed "Ask The Ages" in 1991, which stands as one of his most complete and compelling works, produced by Bill Laswell and featuring jazz luminaries like Pharoah Sanders and Elvin Jones. His final album, "Whatthefuckdoyouwant," was released posthumously, cementing his legacy as a fearless innovator who defied convention to create an intensely personal musical language. Tragically, Sharrock's life and burgeoning late-career renaissance were cut short when he passed away on May 25, 1994, from a heart attack. His influence continues to resonate, inspiring generations of musicians who seek to push the boundaries of jazz and the expressive potential of the guitar.