Remembering Renowned Pianist, Composer Flossmoor Native Reginald Burke

FLOSSMOOR, IL — An accomplished pianist, celebrated composer, and beloved Flossmoor native has died at the age of 76 after a storied career filled with making beautiful music.

Reginald Burke, professionally known as "Sonny" Burke died Monday, July 4 at South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, after a lengthy illness.

Burke was Smokey Robinson’s pianist, arranger, and conductor for more than 30 years, his brother Kirkland told Patch. He also worked with such musical greats as Frank and Nancy Sinatra, The Temptations, The Pointer Sisters, Terry Callier, Clarence McDonald, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye, Ray Parker Jr., Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand, James Gadson, Lionel Richie, Donny Hathaway and many others. He was also, for a time, the conductor for the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls," according to an obituary provided by family.

His piano work can be heard on the theme songs for Hill Street Blues, ER, St. Elsewhere, China Beach, Redd Foxx Show and the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack.

But before he became a star, he was first and foremost big brother to Kirkland. Just two years apart, the younger Burke recalls the ease with which "Sonny" could learn an instrument.

"Musically, he was just a genius," said Kirkland. "He could play any instrument he wanted to. He started music lessons when he was 5, and at 6 he was already an organist for the church."

In high school, Kirkland said, his big brother gave the trombone a shot in February one year, and by April was 1st chair in the all-city band.

"Musically, he had a gift," Kirkland said. "It truly was a gift."

At 14, his family was surprised when a truck pulled up to the house with a $4,000 organ—all "Reggie's" doing, Kirkland said. Their mother Johnnie saw the commitment in his eyes, and talked their father Alonzo into letting them keep it.

By 17, he was playing in jazz clubs in downtown Chicago. There, he earned himself the nickname "Sonny," because frankly, he was too young to be there, Kirkland said.

Kirkland, who also ended up with a career in music as a promotional marketing manager with Warner Brothers, fondly recalls visiting "Sonny" at his home in California. There, he came face-to-face with his brother's success as he ran into Smokey Robinson and Nancy Sinatra in his home.

"I always wanted to be like him," Kirkland said. "He was the best brother in the world. I’m just really lost right now. He was just everything to me.

"... Our whole lives have dealt with music."

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Leak & Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in Chicago.

Additional viewing will be held Friday, July 15 from 10 to 11 a.m., at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 4130 S. Indiana Ave. in Chicago. Viewing will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., with funeral service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will immediately follow, at Mount Hope Cemetery, 11500 S. Farfield, Chicago.