Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 22, 1914 in Scranton, PA

Death

:

May 31, 1980 in Santa Monica, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Sonny Burke was an American composer and arranger who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on March 22, 1914, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Burke grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Burke began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Burke's family moved to Chicago when he was a teenager, and he continued to pursue his musical interests. He played in local jazz bands and studied music theory and composition. In the early 1930s, Burke moved to New York City to further his career in music. In New York, Burke worked as a pianist and arranger for various bands and orchestras. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented musician and arranger, and he was soon working with some of the biggest names in the music industry. In the late 1930s, Burke began working with the famous bandleader Benny Goodman. He arranged many of Goodman's most popular songs, including "Sing, Sing, Sing" and "Don't Be That Way." Burke's arrangements were known for their intricate harmonies and innovative use of instrumentation. During World War II, Burke served in the U.S. Army and played in the Army band. After the war, he returned to New York and continued his work as a composer and arranger. He worked with many of the top musicians of the time, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. In the 1950s, Burke began to focus more on composing his own music. He wrote several popular songs, including "Black Coffee" and "Midnight Sun." He also composed music for films and television shows, including the theme song for the TV series "77 Sunset Strip." Burke's most significant contribution to classical music was his work as a composer of orchestral music. He wrote several symphonies, concertos, and other works for orchestra. His music was known for its lush harmonies and sweeping melodies. One of Burke's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1955. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Burke's skill as a composer. The first movement is a lively and energetic piece that features a soaring melody played by the strings. The second movement is a slow and mournful piece that features a haunting melody played by the oboe. The third movement is a lively and playful piece that features a syncopated rhythm and a jazzy feel. The final movement is a triumphant piece that features a majestic melody played by the brass. Burke's other notable works include his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1960. The concerto is a three-movement work that features a virtuosic piano part and a lush orchestral accompaniment. The first movement is a lively and energetic piece that features a driving rhythm and a playful melody. The second movement is a slow and lyrical piece that features a beautiful melody played by the piano. The final movement is a fast and exciting piece that features a dazzling piano solo and a thrilling orchestral accompaniment. Burke continued to compose music throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He wrote several more symphonies, concertos, and other works for orchestra. He also continued to work in the film and television industry, composing music for several popular movies and TV shows. Sonny Burke passed away on May 31, 1980, at the age of 66. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and innovative music that continues to inspire and delight audiences today.

More....