One of the south’s most creative, intuitive musicians, Sonny Thornton is a master drummer and a virtual legend in this region.
And it should come as no surprise that Sonny became who he is when you look at his pedigree and experience.
Born in the District of Columbia, he was exposed to music at a very young age. His mother Margaret Thornton, who died two years ago, was the first African-American woman inducted into the Hall of Fame in SC. She was a pianist and educator at CA Johnson High School for 40 years, and in the summer taught at SC State. Living in New York City while his mother furthered her education, Sonny heard jazz at one of its vital sources.
After moving to New Orleans, he learned from the players and atmosphere in the Crescent City, widely acknowledged as the birthplace of jazz. While living there, he developed a friendship with Ed Blackwell, one of the most influential drummers of the Twentieth Century. Ed’s influence on Sonny’s concept of music is undeniable.
Thornton is extremely sensitive to the needs of the music and can be understated in his approach, just as Blackwell was. Sonny’s sense of freedom and his melodic style of soloing also sets him apart from most drummers performing today.
“I think the thing that stands out about Sonny’s playing is that when he takes a solo he captures the attention both of those who came to listen and those who just happen to be in attendance. He brings a lot of inventiveness to his playing, and there is that ineffable quality that makes people want to listen. I have seen many people who were apparently oblivious to the trio turn their chairs to watch Sonny play a solo. He is the most “undrummer-like” drummer I’ve ever played with, and he always gets the first call when I need a drummer. To say that he is the best at what he does seriously minimizes his contribution to the music, as I am not aware of anyone in the region doing anything like Sonny. Plus, in addition to his musicality and talent, he’s a really sweet guy.” ~ Guitarist Mark Guest
Upon relocating to South Carolina, Sonny embarked on his long career of making music in the purist sense. He has performed with innumerable artists, including Dionne Warwick, Eddie Harris, Pepper Adams, Buddy DeFranco, Cool and the Gang, Gil Lasky from the Temptations, plus the Spinners. He recently performed with the Skip Pearson Foundation Jazz Orchestra, based in Columbia, SC. Recently he’s been splitting his time between Greenville and Asheville – to the benefit of both jazz communities!
A first call drummer, Sonny Thornton has played with local pianists such as Michael Jefry Stevens, Mike Murray, Tom Coppolla, Keith Davis, Bill Gerhardt, John Valerio, Richard Shulman, Charles Craig, Burt Ligon and Tony Waldrop. Among the bassists he’s been with are Eliot Wadopian, Mike Holstein, Zack Page, Ian Brachitta, Ron Brendle, Tom Hildreth, Delbert Felix , Greg Alwine, and Swing Benson. Sonny has joined guitarists Tim Haden, Steve Watson, Adam Knight, Matt Dingledine, Sam Macy, Monty Craig, and Mark Guest, plus vibraphonists Paul Babley and Byron Hedgepeth.
Horn players Eddie Harris, Skip Pearson, Moss Mack, Phillip Whack, Jon Thornton, John Alexander, Fred Wesley, and Ron Estey have enjoyed his support, as well as singers Sharon LaMotte, Lucianne Evans, Loretta Holloway, Beth Chorneau, Celine Berman, Jean Calvert, Laverne Baker, Sheila Jordan, and Jay Clayton.
“I had a great experience working with Sonny. He’s a very sensitive drummer who listened to every note I sang and to me that is quite rare in drummers. He sure can swing and he does his thing, which makes him a king!” ~ Vocalist Sheila Jordan-
I asked Sonny how difficult it is to play behind singers: “It brings up a sense of anxiety of unknown and adventure, but as long as we’re speaking the music, the language, it’s fun to translate it into musical harmony and rhythm.”
“Sonny is an intuitive player who expresses the joy of creating music together….. ~ Pianist and composer Richard Shulman-