NPR

Sonny Burgess, Sun Records Rockabilly Star, Has Died At 88

The frenetically energetic Sun Records singer, songwriter and guitarist — and later public radio host and collaborator of Bruce Springsteen — died on Aug. 18.
Sonny Burgess, performing at the Country Music Hall Of Fame in Nashville in 2015. / Rick Diamond / Getty Images

Rockabilly singer, songwriter and guitarist Sonny Burgess — who became one of Sun Records' stars with his raucous and unbridled whoops and howls, accompanied by his furious guitar — died at age 88, on Aug. 18 in Little Rock, Ark. Burgess' son John told the that the cause of death was complications from a noted Burgess had also been struggling with issues related to diabetes.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
The Original 'Harry Potter' Book Cover Art Is Expected To Break Records At Auction
Sotheby's June 26 auction of Thomas Taylor's watercolor illustration for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is estimated to sell for $400,000-$600,000.
NPR3 min read
Houston Area Braces For Flooding To Worsen Following Storms
A flood watch remained in effect through Sunday afternoon as forecasters predicted additional rainfall Saturday night, bringing another 1 to 3 inches of water to the soaked region.
NPR4 min read
'Hacks' Season 3 Is Proof That Compelling Storylines And Character Growth Take Time
Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah (Jean Smart) have both grown a lot since we first met them in Season 1. It's a reminder that shows need breathing room to achieve satisfying development.

Related Books & Audiobooks