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Singer Sonny Knowles has died, aged 86

Updated / Friday, 16 Nov 2018 09:51
Sonny Knowles
Sonny Knowles

Sonny Knowles, the Dublin-born singer who rose to fame during Ireland's cabaret and showband era, has died at the age of 86.

He passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday morning surrounded by his family after a career that spanned six decades and which saw him perform as a member of the Johnny Butler Band, Earl Gill's Band, the Pacific Showband and Dermot O'Brien's showband.

He survived oesophageal cancer twice.

He is survived by his wife Sheila and their children Aisling, Geraldine and Gary.

Sonny, who was born in Dublin's Liberties area, was originally a saxophonist and trained as a tailor before becoming a professional singer during Ireland's showband boom in the 1960s. 

He regularly performed with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and toured the US and Europe. 

He was also a regular supporter of the Irish Cancer Society and regularly performed at charity galas.

Paying tribute on RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline, presenter Ronan Collins said: "He loved the audience, and that showed.

"A very sad day, he was just a superb person.

"It was always a joy to work with Sonny, musicians were his friends on the stage and he made them feel like stars.

"He was an extraordinary man. He was a master."

Sonny pictured in 1993 performing on Big Top

Promoter Pat Egan described Sonny Knowles as "such a modest man in so many ways".

Sonny pictured with his wife, Sheila, at the 50th anniversary of the Late Late Show in 2012 

Paying tribute, entertainer Sil Fox said it was "a very sad day for all of us who worked with him, and his fans who went to see him".

Sonny performing on RTÉ show Cabaret in 1976 

Singer Red Hurley said Sonny Knowles was "a lovely man, a lovely, gentle man".

Fr Brian D'Arcy said he was "very sad" to hear of Sonny Knowles' passing, and that he had lost "a great friend".

Sonny in 1973

Horslips drummer Earmon Carr called Sonny, "A master craftsman. Top singer, musician & a true gentleman R.I.P."

Journalist and publisher Frank Corr, who helped Sonny Knowles write his autobiography, Sonny: For the Good Times, described him as "a musician who sang, rather than a singer", and said he had great fun writing the book with the much-loved star.

Shay Healy said Sonny was "a very honest performer and an honest singer and an honest man". "I enjoyed his company a lot," he added.

Singer Marian Fossett told Liveline about Sonny's kindness, and how he had told her to "have faith in your own little act" when her group Sheeba had broken up and she returned to cabaret as a solo artist.

Presenter Maxi said Sonny Knowles was "generous with his time and generous with his wisdom". "I'm heartbroken - what a gentleman," she added. 

Fans and friends have also been paying tribute on Twitter.  

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