Role

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Composer

Genre

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Film

 

Sonny Burke was an American composer, arranger, and pianist who was born on March 22, 1914, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was born as Joseph Francis Burke and was the youngest of three children. His father was a coal miner, and his mother was a homemaker. Burke's family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when he was a child, and it was there that he began his musical journey. Burke's interest in music began at an early age, and he started playing the piano when he was just six years old. He was a natural talent and quickly became proficient in playing the instrument. Burke's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music as a career. He attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied piano and composition. After completing his studies, Burke began his career as a pianist and arranger. He played in various bands and orchestras, including the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Burke's talent as an arranger was quickly recognized, and he was soon in demand as a composer and arranger. In 1944, Burke joined the staff of Capitol Records as a staff arranger. He worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, and Frank Sinatra. Burke's arrangements were known for their lush, romantic sound, and he became one of the most sought-after arrangers in the industry. Burke's career as a composer began in the 1950s when he wrote the music for the film "The Glenn Miller Story." The film was a huge success, and Burke's music received critical acclaim. He went on to compose music for several other films, including "The Benny Goodman Story" and "The Five Pennies." In addition to his work in film, Burke also composed music for television. He wrote the theme music for several popular TV shows, including "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mod Squad." Burke's music was known for its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms, and it became a staple of American popular culture. One of Burke's most famous compositions is the song "Midnight Sun." The song was written in collaboration with jazz pianist Lionel Hampton and lyricist Johnny Mercer. The song became a jazz standard and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Another one of Burke's famous compositions is the song "Black Coffee." The song was written in collaboration with lyricist Paul Francis Webster and was first recorded by Peggy Lee in 1953. The song became a hit and has been recorded by several other artists, including Ella Fitzgerald and k.d. lang. Burke's career continued to flourish throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He continued to compose music for films and television and worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry. In 1975, Burke was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to American music. Burke passed away on May 31, 1980, in Santa Monica, California. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated today. His compositions and arrangements have become a part of American popular culture and have influenced generations of musicians. Brenda Lee, born Brenda Mae Tarpley on December 11, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, is an American singer who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Lee's career began when she was just a child, and she quickly became known for her powerful voice and energetic performances. Lee's first hit song was "Sweet Nothin's," which was released in 1959.

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