Born Earlington Tilghman in Baltimore. After a three-year stint in the army, ‘Sonny’ began singing in local clubs and talent shows. He was leader of the band The Vibranaires who later became known as the Orioles.
As a solo vocalist he could be seen locally at the Club Astoria with the St. Jenkins Trio. Also performed at the Avenue Musical Bar along with an all-star musical revue, with his sister Virgie Til, and balladeer Herman Hawkins.
His recordings include Orioles and solo releases as well as duets with Edna McGriff in 1952.
Sonny re-formed the Orioles in 1954. They performed and recorded through 1959 after which Til embarked on a solo career. He re-formed several new Orioles groups during the ‘60s and ‘70s and was a member of the Ink Spots, led by George Holmes.
Til died of a heart attack on December 9, 1981.
See Orioles bio for additional info about Sonny’s part with the various incarnations of The Orioles and his solo career.
Single releases by Sonny Til:
1951 Jubilee 5066 Fool’s World / For All We Know
1952 Jubilee 5076 Proud of You / You Never Cared for Me
1953 Jubilee 5112 Have You Heard / Lonely Wine
1953 Jubilee 5118 Congratulations to Someone / (Danger) Soft Shoulders
1958 Roulette 4079 Shy / First Blush
1959 Jubilee 5394 Night and Day / Shimmy Time
19** Harlem Sound 1001 Lonely Christmas / What Are You Doing New Years Eve
1969 RCA 9733 You’re All I Need / After You
1969 RCA 9759 Tears and Misery / I Better Leave Love Alone
1970 RCA SPS236 One Big Unhappy Family / (same)
Album release by Sonny Til:
1970 RCA 4451 Sonny Til Returns
Releases by Edna McGriff & Sonny Til:
1952 Jubilee 5090 I Only Have Eyes for You / Once in A While
1952 Jubilee 5099 Good / Piccadilly
