Biography
During his tenure as the drummer for Count Basie, Sonny Payne found the defining engagement of his career. This setup suited the intense percussionist ideally, allowing seamless integration alongside pianist Basie and guitarist Freddie Green throughout the height of the leader's second major ensemble. Born to drummer Chris Columbus, Payne received instruction from Vic Berton in his formative period before performing in his hometown area. His entry into professional music occurred in 1944 as he joined the Dud & Paul Bascomb band, followed by associations with Hot Lips Page, a stretch alongside Earl Bostic from 1945 to 1947, and intermittent work with Tiny Grimes spanning 1947 to 1950. Three years from 1950 to 1953 were spent in the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra, after which he directed his personal group for a couple of years, yet these experiences served merely as preparation for his primary role. From 1955 through 1965 with Count Basie, Sonny Payne maintained an unrelenting touring schedule, contributed to numerous landmark sessions, and established the standard for the ensemble's drumming position. Upon his departure in 1965, he directed a trio on a temporary basis, collaborated with Frank Sinatra, and subsequently maintained an extended affiliation with Harry James' Big Band lasting until 1973, given the bandleader's longstanding preference for emulating Basie's sound. Later in life, a brief return to Count Basie occupied Sonny Payne from 1973 to 1974, after which he joined Illinois Jacquet for a European tour and rejoined James' orchestra in the period immediately preceding his passing. Although Sonny Payne never helmed a recording session under his own leadership, his presence graced numerous Basie albums along with select efforts by James and a handful of small-group dates.