Sonny Parker (musician)

Willis "Sonny" Parker (May 5, 1925[1] or October 29, 1926[2] – February 7, 1957) was an American blues and jazz singer, dancer, and drummer.

He then replaced Rubell Blakely as vocalist in Lionel Hampton's ensemble.

[1] He also recorded under his own name, for various labels including Aladdin, Spire, Peacock and Brunswick, often using various members of Hampton's orchestra.

In March 1955, during a concert at Valenciennes, France, Parker had a brain hemorrhage, from which he did not recover.

[1] He returned to the United States and died in hospital in New York City in 1957.