Sonny Igoe - '39

Sonny Igoe, who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, started playing the drums when he was only five years old, and at age 16 he won the first Gene Krupa drum contest held on the East Coast. During World War II, while serving four years in the Marine Corps, Sonny advanced his entertainment experience by playing in countless U.S.O. tours and shows. In 1946, Sonny played with the Ina Ray Hutton Orchestra; in 1948 and 1949 with the celebrated “King of Swing” Benny Goodman; and from 1950-1953 he performed with another renowned clarinet player, Woody Herman and his Herd. After a brief stay with the NBC Television Orchestra, Mr. Igoe joined the CBS Television Orchestra, where he remained until 1968, during which time he played for every major TV & Radio show. Among the more notable Variety Shows he performed on during the Golden Age of Television Musical/Variety shows were The Ed Sullivan Show, the Garry Moore Show, the Jackie Gleason Show and Candid Camera. Inducted 2008.

CLASS YEAR

1939

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