Crazy rockabilly legend Sonny Burgess turns 83 years old today. Burgess and his band The Pacers are responsible for some of the wildest rockabilly ever cut for Sun Records or any other label for that matter. Burgess’ trademark gravel-throated vocals along with beautifully-out-of-place-but-somehow-still-perfectly-fit-for-rockabilly trumpet work by Jack Nance combined to make up one of the most unique sounds of any rock and roll band in any era.
Burgess and the band are still going strong with an incredibly aggressive touring schedule that might tire musicians half his age. The band has gigs booked clear through to the end of 2012 and in fact already has a least one gig booked for March of 2013. Clearly, after rocking for almost 60 years, Burgess has no plans to let up any time soon!
If you haven’t checked out Sonny Burgess and the Pacers and their great rockabilly on Sun Records, you’re missing a critical piece of rockabilly–and thus rock and roll–history. Check out the wild “Red Headed Woman” and another of my favorites, the rockin’ acoustic “Bucket’s Got a Hole In It” and you’ll quickly understand why Sonny Burgess and the Pacers are absolute rockabilly legends.
Happy Birthday Mr. Burgess and here’s to many happy returns!
