Sonnie, as a young boy, learned how to hold his drumsticks from none other than Levon Helm of The Band - then with Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks, at the Concord Tavern in Toronto Ontario (circa 1964). He worked in the coat check room under the close but supportive eye of his parents. He watched a number of talented musicians pass through that very popular night spot. He befriended, and learned from a large number of them.

Professional road travel through the U.S. and Canada started at 18 for Sonnie, and within 4 years (a somewhat short apprenticeship on that circuit) he joined one of Ronnie Hawkins former groups, known as Crowbar.(see history)

Since those early days Sonnie has gone through those things that usually bring the demise of most musicians' on-road careers - a wife... children... a dog...and a mortgage; but his lovely wife and business partner Diane, was, and still is supportive of his life in music.

Over the years Sonnie has played stints with such artists as David Wilcox, The Downchild Blues Band, and The Guess Who. He is now back with Crowbar, and is enjoying himself in that setting. Sonnie also runs his own business, and occasionally plays with a contemporary R&B/Country band named "The Personics" in his home town of Burlington.