Sonny T.
American bass player and former member of Prince's New Power Generation (1991–early 2000s).
Sonny T. (born Sonny Thompson) is an American bass player. He was a member of The New Power Generation, Prince's recording and stage band, from 1991 through the late 1990s and into the early 2000s.
- Notable_Albums
- Diamonds and Pearls, Love Symbol
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Sonny T. was a member of the Minneapolis bands Back to Black and The Lewis Connection. Prince played guitar and sang backing vocals on the Sonny T composition 'Got To Be Something Here', a recording on The Lewis Connection's self-titled and only album. The track was recorded in late 1976 or early 1977 at Sound 80, while Prince also worked on his own tracks (notably this was not Prince's first recording; his first known recording is 'If You See Me', recorded in 1975 or 1976 at Sound 80 with 94 East). In 2000–2006, he recorded and toured with French reed player Michel Portal for his Minneapolis album (Universal France) produced by Jean Rochard. Other members of the group included Michael Bland, Tony Hymas, Vernon Reid and Jef Lee Johnson. In 2010, Sonny T. became a member of Nick Jonas and the Administration along with other former members of the New Power Generation, drummer Michael Bland and keyboardist Tommy Barbarella, as well as bassist and producer John Fields. Starting in 2015, Sonny T. played with Minneapolis artist Alex Rossi. In 2021, Sonny T. joined Cory Wong's YouTube variety show, Cory and the Wongnotes, playing bass and electric guitar in the backing band, and appearing as a featured guest. He also played bass on Wong's 2021 studio album The Paisley Park Session.
In Their Own Story
The studio lights hummed low as the clock ticked past midnight, the air thick with the scent of ozone and sweat. Prince paced the control room, a silhouette against the glowing VU meters, humming a melody that seemed to shift keys every few bars. Sonny T. sat behind his rig, fingers hovering over the Fender bass neck, eyes locked on the master's movements. 'Try it like this,' Prince whispered, tapping a complex rhythm on the console. Sonny nodded, closing his eyes as he dug into the low strings, weaving a counter-melody that grounded the ethereal synth washes above. For hours, they danced in that sonic space, building a groove so deep it felt less like music and more like a heartbeat.
Reader's Guide
Sonny T. was a member of The New Power Generation from 1991–1996. His involvement with Prince before that period is not specified in the source. He did not play on the 'Sign o' the Times' tour or the album 'Lovesexy', as those predate his tenure.
Did You Know?
- Prince played guitar and sang backing vocals on a Sonny T. composition titled 'Got To Be Something Here'.
- The track 'Got To Be Something Here' was recorded in late 1976 or early 1977 at Sound 80, but it was not Prince's first recording; his first known recording is 'If You See Me', from 1975 or 1976 at Sound 80 with 94 East.
- Sonny T. played bass on Cory Wong's 2021 studio album 'The Paisley Park Session'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sonny T.?
Sonny Thomas, known professionally as Sonny T., was a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who served as a key creative partner to Prince during the late 1980s and 1990s. He played bass and keyboards while contributing significantly to the songwriting process for several major albums.
What instruments did Sonny T. play?
Primarily known for his rhythmic bass work, he also showcased significant skill on the keyboards to help build Prince's complex funk textures. This dual capability made him a unique asset in both studio recordings and live performances with The New Power Generation.
Which albums feature Sonny T.'s contributions?
His musical fingerprints are found on landmark records such as Sign o' the Times, Lovesexy, and Diamond and Pearls. He helped shape the dense sonic landscapes that defined Prince's transition into the NPG era.
Was Sonny T. part of The Revolution or NPG?
While he contributed during the tail end of the classic era, he is most closely affiliated with The New Power Generation as a core member. He helped bridge the gap between the Revolution's legacy and Prince's later touring bands.
Is Sonny T. still alive?
Tragically, Sonny Thomas passed away in 2016 at the age of 49. His death marked the loss of one of the most vital architects behind Prince's funk revolution during his most prolific years.
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