Sonny Thompson

[Robertjack]

Sonny Thompson (probably August 23, 1916 – August 11, 1989), born Alfonso Thompson or Hezzie Tompson, was an American R&B bandleader and pianist, and the most prolific R&B instrumentalists of the late '40s and early '50s.

There is some uncertainty over Thompson's origins, as well as his birth name. Researchers Bob Eagle and Eric LeBlanc indicate that Alphonso “Sonny” Thompson was born in 1916 in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, but other sources state that he was born in 1923, either in Centreville, Mississippi or in Chicago. While he was a pre-schooler, his family moved to Chicago. He attended Wendell Phillips High School and studied at the Chicago Conservatory of Music by day and at the elbows of Art Tatum and Earl Hines at night. Tatum was Sonny’s main influence which can be heard on his first recordings “Southside Boogie” and “Sonny’s Boogie” waxed for the tiny Detroit-based Sultan label in 1946.

Thompson began working in combos while in high school and went on the road for extended periods after graduating from Phillips. He also spent some time in the band of Erskine Tate. He began working as a leader in 1940, with a group billed as Sonny Thompson and His Swingsters. During 1941 and 1942, Thompson attended the University of Chicago, supporting himself by playing gigs. During 1941 and the first quarter of 1942, he played solo piano at the Garrick Stage Bar. He also worked in groups led by Lonnie Simmons, Red Allen, and Stuff Smith in the Down Beat Room downstairs. In 1943 Sonny Thompson entered the Army. He return to playing, performing at places such as Garrick Stage Bar, Bar o’ Music and got a break when he was asked to step in to replace Earl Hines at El Grotto. An item in Down Beat (July 15, 1945, p. 4), “Thompson Has Fine New Crew,” described the band as a “14-piece outfit.”

Thompson made his first recording session with a sextet backing June Richmond on Mercury Records; two singles were released. The two sides he did for Sultan were his first as a leader. During 1947 Thompson teamed up with the Dick Davis Combo to play regularly at the Tradesmen’s Lounge, appearing with them on a recording session for the fledgling Miracle label in January. Thompson began recording under his own name with Miracle in mid-1947, using the Sharps and Flats as his rhythm section and frequently adding Eddie Chamblee’s tenor sax.