Sonny Burgess, former Sun Records Artist, Dead at 86

American rockabilly singer/guitarist Sonny Burgess passed away on August 18th, 2017 at the age of 86.

He was an Arkansas native, born on a farm near rural Newport and was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2002. Burgess passed away Friday night at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas about a month after taking a fall at his home, according to a Facebook post by band mate Bobby Crawford.

Sonny launched his career after his Army discharge in 1954, with his band The Moonlighters opening some dates for Elvis Presley.

Elvis later urged Sun Records owner Sam Phillips to record the group, known then as The Pacers. His band were one of the most exciting to watch live, according to their fans - they would throw themselves around the stage, smash up their instruments and even jump off the stage at the end of their shows without caring how far they would fall. Their two-sided first single, “We Wanna Boogie” and “Red Headed Woman,” fared well but the band never achieved the success of Sun’s other stars.

Burgess retired from performing in 1974 and became a salesman for a decade until accepting an invitation to reunite with fellow Sun artists — including Presley drummer D.J. Fontana — in a touring band. He continued to release new music over the next few decades, ending with his Live At Sun Studios album in 2012. His last live performance came on July 15.

Sonny was previously married to Joann Adams. He leaves behind sons Peyton and John.

Sonny Burgess - Red Headed Woman (VLV 2017)