Edwin Bradfield Liloa Chillingworth, Jr., known professionally as Sonny Chillingworth, was one of Hawaii's most influential slack-key guitarists. Born on July 14, 1932, in Oahu, he was imbued with the rich musical traditions of Hawaii from his early childhood. Chillingworth began playing the guitar at the age of twelve, and he learned the intricacies of the slack-key style under the guidance of another slack-key legend, Gabby Pahinui.

Over the course of his career, Sonny Chillingworth became revered for his mastery and dedication to the traditional Hawaiian slack-key guitar style, a unique form of playing where the strings are loosened or "slacked" to produce different tunings. His music encapsulated the soul of Hawaii, blending the reflective and tranquil sounds of the islands with intricate fingerpicking techniques. Chillingworth's extensive recording career includes seminal albums like "Waimea Cowboy" and "Sonny," which are considered classics in the genre. His legacy is a tapestry of rich melodies and the true aloha spirit that continues to inspire new generations of musicians both in Hawaii and around the world. Sonny's contributions to Hawaiian music were celebrated until his passing on August 24, 1994, and his influence still resonates in the slack-key community today.