Sonny Troy, one of Philadelphia and South Jersey's finest jazz guitarist, played music for any occasion, from solo guitar to big band music. Troy performed for the last 45 years around the world including on stages in Las Vegas clubs, on the “Mike Douglas TV Show” to the Cancun Jazz Festival (1992).
Troy has played for two presidential inaugurations (President Reagan ’81 and ‘85). Troy also performed in the East Room of the White House for President Bush`s 1992 Christmas party. In the past, Sonny could be seen conducting and playing for Philadelphia’s own Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell, as well as for Paul Anka, Connie Francis, Annette Funicello, Peggy Lee, and various jazz groups.
When he was not on stage or in the studio, you could find Troy teaching, something he enjoyed for the last 30 years. Sonny passed away on April 6.
Here is one of the concerts Sonny performed for Jazz Bridge in Center City at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion with his long time friend Jimmy Bruno. Sonny Troy in Center City (photo credit, Eugene Hurwitz)
