(Double click images to enlarge)
After graduation I went to Sam Houston State in Huntsville for two years, majoring in commercial art. I met a friend in the dorm next door who also played guitar, wrote songs, and sang. We began to rehearse, won some talent shows and soon had a recording contract. We recorded as "Gary and Sonny" and had two local hits. After Gary and I split up, I began singing with that great group of ex-buffaloes called the "Mystics" who were with the same recording company Gary and I had been with. The Mystics had a very big hit with an old Clyde McPhatter song called "Without Love". Tom Jones covered it several years later. Anyway, that song was # 2 in Houston, but was actually # 1 in California and several other states. Didn't matter much...we got messed around out of our royalties, like so many other groups of that time.
I had hired on with IBM in their art department even before NASA came to Houston, and eventually worked for them 30 years. My last eight years were in management, and when they wanted me to transfer to Dallas, I decided I'd take an early out. The offer was a very good one and I was able to just play tennis and do my music and art for six months before going back to work.
In 1991, I married Elaine, who is my second wife. This photo was taken when Elaine and I were on our honeymoon in Jamaica. I remained close friends with my first wife (married 23 years and she was the mother of my kids) and we see each other often. Elaine and I have a "tax & bookkeeping" company with 200 clients, and stay very busy. I guess I should say "she stays very busy".... I only work 25 or 30 hours a week these days, but I'm still doing music, and have an eight piece horn-band called "American Boogie". If any of you old buffaloes ever see us playing near-by, we do 60's, 70's and 80's and I'd love for you to come out and hear us...you won't be sorry!! I didn't attend the last two reunions, so I don't know if you're using a band or a DJ, but if you budget for a band, give us a listen.
This is the Gospel Quartet called "Glorybound" (2001), four guys from my church choir, (Sagemont Church in Houston). We performed together for a couple of years.
One more point of interest...and I'll try not to be long-winded, but I really must tell you this. When I was still married to, but separated from, my first wife in 1977, I took my little girls swimming one afternoon, dove into the pool and broke my neck in two places.
This photo was taken in 1977. I was going to submit about 50 pieces of 3 dimensional art to a showing. I broke my neck shortly after this picture was taken.
My 5th vertebra was in splinters, and my 6th was in several larger pieces. There wasn't a soul around the pool but me and my daughters. As I was passing in and out of consciousness, suddenly there were two men there who came into the pool, held me up, and eventually walked me up and out of the pool. They put me in the back of my wife's van, and she bounced me all over Pasadena getting me to Bayshore hospital. We never saw those men again.
At Bayshore, they Life-Flighted me to Herman Hospital and put me into traction. I had no feeling in my arms or legs, and they told my wife I would almost certainly be a paraplegic if not a quad, due to the extent of my injuries. Over the course of the next few weeks, every single thing that could go wrong did! It would take far too long for me to tell you all the particulars, but whenever I give my testimony to people, it's hard for them to believe the number of really traumatic events that seemed to plague me for weeks.
Eventually, I was put in a "halo", which I'm sure most people are familiar with these days. But back then, they were relatively new and unproved. I think I received only the 5th one installed in Houston. The halo was held in place by four posts that were screwed into the skull. The older ones had metal supports that went down and attached to a plexiglass waistband that had been molded to fit the patient. This enabled a patient who was bed-ridden (in traction), to actually get up and walk...albeit, not very well. I tried to adjust, but over the ten days that I wore mine, I had an infection in my head, my hospital bed completely collapsed one night, and my halo hooked on the ceiling of my mom's car when I tried to get up out of my seat. It was never the same afterwards.
When I no longer could take the pain, I asked my mom to please take me to the hospital and just have me put back into bed until the doctors had some idea when they would operate. They would not do it previously because the pieces surrounding my vertebrae would almost surely sever or damage the spinal cord. The night before returning to the hospital, the only position I could get in to avoid horrible pain was on my knees. By now, you've probably guessed where this is going. Anyway, I had experienced so much over the last few years that while I was on my knees, I just told God, "If you're really there, I'm tired of trying to run my own life. I've made a pretty big mess of things, and I think I'm ready for you to take the reins.”
Again, I'll have to cut to the chase because there's just too much to try to get in. The next morning we drove to Herman Hospital in a driving rain at 7:30 in the morning. It took us two hours and I thought I was going to die. When we got there they rolled me into an Operating Room that was already in use because they were all full. When they began to reverse those screws from my skull, a hot white heat went from my head to my toes. I know it was white...I saw it even though my eyes were closed.
I had not slept all night, but had stayed on my knees to ease the pain. When I woke up, my mom told me they had x-rayed me while I was asleep, and there was no break in my neck at all. No break, no pieces, not even a crack....my neck was perfect! The doctors, all five of them, just shook their heads in amazement. I mean, what are they going to attribute that to? I have had to tell that story many times, in much more detail (if you can imagine that), and I couldn't have the attention of my old friends and not share it one more time.
Throughout the years, I have never had a neck problem or any related pain at all, and my chiropractor tells me to this day that if she didn't know me personally she would never believe I had ever had a broken neck, and she has x-rayed it many times. I'd just like to say...He's real, He's faithful, and He'll do whatever's necessary to get your attention.
I sincerely hope everyone gets involved in the blog at some level. We all go through life thinking we have plenty of time.......not so!
Kay Burg Moseley sent this photo of Sonny and the guys a few years back. Be sure to read Kay's comment (about 25 comments down). The guys are: Charlie Smith, far left; Wally Sisk, front; Joe Simmons, back; and Sonny, far right. (Karla)
Please take the time now to make a comment in response to Sonny's biography. You will also enjoy reading the comments that others have left.
CLICK HERE to return to the top of the main section after reading comments below, and/or making your own comment.
Dear Sonny,
We didn't pal around in high school, but I knew you. It sounds to me like you've met the One I've known for many, many years -- our creator, the son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. Your story is phenomenal. Do you have it in print, in detail, for distribution? Do you share this story before groups? Remarkable! Thank you for baring your soul with us. Most encouraging.
Posted by: Charles Simmons | June 20, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Sonny, I was really moved by your experiences, you are very fortunate and truly blessed. Thanks for sharing...
Posted by: John Echoff | June 21, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Hi Charles,
I remember you quite well too! I don't have my story in printed form, but I do share it with groups from time-to-time. The Lord has opened quite a few doors to witnessing opportunities as a result of having given my testimony to others. I still get very moved by the fact that our huge and mighty God takes time to work in the lives of insignificant men. Of course, that's just "small thinking", and not at all as He sees it....but you knew that already!
Karla told me about your link and I really appreciate your site. You obviously have enjoyed a long and deep walk with the Lord.
Posted by: Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones | June 21, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Hey John,
Thanks for the kind words. I have really gotten a kick out of some of your input to the blog....keep up the good work!
Sonny
Posted by: Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones | June 21, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I have just listened to Charles Simmon's testimony again. Reading Sonny's story and hearing Charles tell his story has been so encouraging to me ~ to hear what God has done for them and through them.
It is very likely that there are others of our classmates who are either suffering now or have loved ones who are suffering, so I wanted to include that link here. Actually, a link to Charles' entire website is at the bottom of the right sidebar, but to go directly to his testimony, click on this address, or copy and paste this address in your browser. The last word of the paragraphs there will give you the direct link to the audio of his testimony. Karla
http://home.roadrunner.com/~cvsimmons/suffering.htm
Posted by: Link to Charles Simmon's Testimony | June 21, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Sonny
What a story about your accident and what a great outcome. I have a very good friend who had the same accident about the same time. He has been unable to walk since that time and is now a Supreme Court Justice in South Dakota. He is my personal hero and has the best attitude. I'm glad you had such a complete recovery.
Posted by: Paul Schrader | June 25, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Paul,
you were always one of the guys that I looked up to. Probably from runnin' second string full back behind you. I wish I could tell you I recovered from my accident, but the truth is I was supernaturally healed. If there was another way to explain it, I would, but there's not, so I won't. I understand completely, your affection for your friend. To go on with life and accomplish great things as he obviously has says volumes about his desire and drive, but my "being whole" was a gift.....pure and simple! I feel I have to be very careful to make sure the credit goes where it's due.....I don't know why, but God chose to bestow such a healing miracle on me. I'm not gonna preach, but I always welcome the opportunity.
Later
Sonny
Posted by: Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones | June 25, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Oh, my goodness, Sonny! What a life-changing, life-affirming story. What a scary situation for both you and your daughters. I am so glad you made it. You are blessed indeed. We have missed you at the last two reunions and hope you will join us at the next one. It is the 50th, after all ... our Golden one.
Jody Bugg
Posted by: Jody Bugg | June 29, 2008 at 01:51 AM
Sonny,
I had forgotten you had gone to SHSTC when I did, until I read your bio. Then I remembered you being up there. We didn't share any classes. We may have seen each other on campus, in passing, but, like you, it was so long ago, I don't remember either. I do remember that we went through Southmayd (I think you were usually in another class), Deady, and Milby together. I thought you had come to the 25th (Silver anniversary) reunion. Somewhere way back in the recesses of my mind, I have a vision of Wally Sisk trying to get you to come up and sing, but you choosing not to. Maybe I dreamed, or maybe it was the 20th. I've been to all the reunions, and sometimes they seem to run together. Take care, Jody
Posted by: Jody Bugg | June 29, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Sonny...
Your Bio didn't include anything from the Milby years, but I seem to remember you connected with a singing group called the Pastels. Am I just dreaming this? Shows you how good my memory is...Larry
[Actually, Larry...your memory is excellent! Check out the picture of the Pastels in the 1960 Carats program, near bottom of right sidebar. KD]
Posted by: Larry Smith | July 14, 2008 at 05:45 AM
Hi Sonny - What an incredible story! Thanks for telling us about what an amazing gift you received from God. And we all know who those "two guys" were that took you out of the pool.
Would love to hear your band. Is your gospel group still performing?
As to what I saw in Wally, well, he was just so cute! And funny. Lots of people thought so, not just me.
Blessings! Glenda
Posted by: Glenda Burns Minniece | July 21, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Glenda,
So good to hear from you again. I remember you as one of the sweetest girls in school. I was not in many of your classes, but I remember you well. The gospel quartet disbanded after a couple of years. I still often sing solos at church, on mission trips, and at various ministries in and around Houston. It probably seems a little inconsistent to be fronting a secular dance band on one night of the week and singing for the Lord on others. But I've found that God is much bigger than we give Him credit for being. He's actually much more loving and far less condemning than most of us grew up believing. I have realized that, though He wants me to use my spiritual gifts, He also "allows" me the freedom to enjoy the desires of my heart.... one being, singing that great music we enjoyed during the 60s and 70s. The name of our band is "American Boogie". Hope you get to hear us one of these days!
Gotta run.....your pal, Sonny
Posted by: Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones | July 25, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Hey Sonny. I remember quite well of your art abilities. Each time we were asked to prepare a drawing in Mrs.Pattersons 6th grade, I would cringe realizing you and Doug Westbrook's characterizations would win out. This was acceptabale and I felt it great that you guys had artistic gifts. And yes, He is faithful and provides us with opportunities to be His witness to others.
Posted by: bob neal | September 06, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Hi Sonny,
It was great to read your bio. What a testimony of how God touched your life, and how you've been careful to give Him all the credit!
On another subject, I was so surprised that Bob Neal remembered our "art competitions" in Mrs. Patterson's 6th grade class.... what great memories! I've been fortunate to make a living doing what I love as a free-lance graphic designer and illustrator in the Houston area.
In my so-called "retirement years", I'm busier than ever, having started a business that sells Biblical-theme murals to churches for their Children's Centers. The murals are printed on vinyl and install like wallpaper. I sell murals to churches around the country through my website (www.biblestorymurals.com).
Doug Westbrook
Posted by: Doug Westbrook | September 08, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Hello Sonny,
You have truly been blessed by an awesome God and He truly has a way of getting our attention.
He has been my strength and comforter in my life and there has been many a day when I know He has been holding my hand.
Do you know that I have sung (solo) and played handbells in your church? Many years ago before we moved to Lakeway. Also, I helped put my daughter, Debbie, and her brother, Randy, through A&M with my art. Crazy, huh? Oh, I am a retired VP of a bank. Who would have thought!!!!
Take care,
Melanie Winkler Morrison
Posted by: Melanie | October 21, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Melanie,
I've read much about you from others on the blog, and I just wanted to say that I thought you were such a neat gal at Milby. I'm so glad to hear your medical results lately have been so good. I look really forward to seeing you at our reunion. God is indeed our strength and our salvation...but it's obvious that you already know that. Take good care of yourself...I expect a dance.
Your pal,
Sonny
Posted by: Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones | November 01, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Hello Sonny:
Being a Buff (class of '61) I periodically read the 1960 blog.
We used to work @ a women's shoe store in Gulfgate Mall. (Name I can't recall but think it starts with a C) You, Earl Vaughan, Butch Vaughn, Elliott Cundieff, Rick Hamilton were some of the guys there. Had lots fun and even made some $.
As mentioned, I periodically read the 1960 Blog as was associated with many of the class.
When I came across your Bio the other day, I was most interested as I have had experienced many occassions to be with the Christian God and have not quite been able to make that ultimate connection.
Having seen and read many testimonials in books and on TV about healing miracles, my skepticism has been more than I wanted to deal with.
Although I knew and associated with you some 48 years ago, reading your testimonial has given me more than enough reason to re-evaluate my beliefs or lack of.
Do you have a website or additonal material which details your remarkable story?
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Russell Moore | November 04, 2008 at 04:44 AM
Gloria and I along with 5 other Milby couples saw Sonny and his band in Kemah in Oct. We hadn't seen Sonny since he graduated, he looked and sounded good. We all had a great time. Didn't know about Sonny's testimony til now, what a great story. It increases the faith of all us who know Jesus.
Ronnie and Gloria Blackman Nixon class of '62
Posted by: Ronnie Nixon | November 04, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Hi Sonny - Ronnie Nixon forwarded this to me and I wanted to say hello and how wonderful that your testimony brings so much glory to God. It is good to hear that you are still involved in music as that was always a passion of yours. I hope to get to hear your band sometime soon. Take care. Margie
Posted by: Margie Heinlein Pizalate | November 04, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Yo Sonny
I didn't know about your accident. Sounds like the Lord wasn't ready for you yet.He must figure you still have a job to do for him here.
Rex said he saw you guys in Kemah and was really impressed. Hey, Doesn't surprise me. You have always been at home on the stage.
I am extremely grateful to have worked the same stage with you as a member of the Mystics.
God has already blessed you and I hope will continue to do so as you spread his word.
Love Ya
Buster
Posted by: C P Buster Sullivan | November 04, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Sonny,
what a great testimonial. It is amazing how many of our school mates are walking the walk with God. You have always had so much talent on the outside it is uplifting to hear you use that talent to share with us the inner most beliefs of your soul. I teach the Blended Family class at our church here in San Antonio and I am continually drawing from my experiences and relationships from the good ole days and now you have come up with another blockbuster.GOD BLESS YOU.
I will never forget that you had me pinch hit for you for a while with the Pastels when you had a sore throat. I thought that I had hit the big time. One time C.L. Weldon, Roy Head and myself were sitting at the Pizza Inn on Westheimer watching someone perform and CL ( who hardly ever complimented anyone ) said that Gary and Sonny was the most professional and entertaining act in our area. I agree.
thanks again for sharing with us.
Tim Fisher
Posted by: Tim Fisher | November 04, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Hello Clyde.....Spent the week end with Buster at Boyce's golf tourny....I told him how much I enjoyed you and your band.....Got that Delbert touch.....Good stuff...You and Neal experienced something very special.....God always has a purpose.....See you on your next gig.....
Rex
Posted by: Rex Vaughn | November 04, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Hey Russell,
Great to hear from you guy. Sure I remember you. The name of the shoe store was Chandler's, and there were even more buffs who worked there off and on....Jimmy Hawkins, Willy Kucera, Richard Mann, Wayne Landers to name a few.
You didn't say whether or not you're still in the Houston area. If you are, I'll be happy to talk with you at length about my miracle, but more importantly, about your interest in a relationship with Jesus Christ. I look forward to hearing from you. E-mail me or call 281-993-2364. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sonny
Posted by: Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones | November 04, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Hey Sonny,
Isn't all this Milby dialogue great? You may not remember me ('62). Coming from a gospel musical family, I am so happy to hear how God rescued you twice and how you give him all the honor and glory for what he has done. I'm still good friends with Jeannie Leach (Fitzgerald) and she will be excited to hear all about your life. Come see my theatre...The Texas Repertory Theatre in NW Houston. The Chronicle named us "The Best Upstart Arts Organization" in Houston! Hope to see you soon.
Posted by: Marinell Roberts Mendoza | November 04, 2008 at 10:41 AM
It has been great to read comments from fellow Milbyites - some older, some younger - who in the past few days have visited our blog for the first time. Please don't be strangers to our forum. Visit often, roam freely, comment frequently. Those of us who started this blog and visit regularly have found it to be an amazing blessing in our lives. Your participation will enrich us further and it is my wish that it will bless you as well. Karla Lofgren Davis (Blogmeister Extraordinaire)
Posted by: Welcome to Other Classes | November 05, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Sonny, What a blessing to read your bio and yes, what an awesome God we have.
Many fond memories of Southmayd, Deady and Milby, but especially of fun parties on Linden street. All we had to do was call you and you showed up with all the guys.
I found a picture of your singing group recently. Karla is going to put it in the body of your biography, above. I know that you are on the far right and Wally Sisk is in the front, center. Is that Joe Simmons in the back? And who is on the far left?
Do you have a schedule of where you plan to perform in November and December? I know there are many who would enjoy seeing you - myself included.
Kay Burg Moseley
P.S. Karla is definitely our Blogmeister Extraordinaire.
Posted by: Kay Burg Moseley | November 08, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Kay, the fourth guy in the picture you sent is Charlie Smith,
class of '59. Sheila
Posted by: Sheila Steele Howard | November 09, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Hi Sheila, I'll bet you are right on. Yeah, I think that is ole Charlie but you know what, I don't remember those ears being that big ! Reckon that joker reads our blog too ! He was just another of the good guys that lived on my block, back in the day !
Posted by: Mike Roberts | November 09, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Sonny...
I met Sonny when I was 12 or 13. Joe Simmons and I were in a kiddy pool in the back yard (it was summer and hot) and all of a sudden a kid comes out of the hedge and jumps in the pool, even though the pool was very small. Sonny had moved in behind me. I remember great times with Sonny, Joe, Jon Dansby...Monopoly and Po-Ke-No-the biggest cheater always won-that would be Joe. We learned from him.
Later the singing group...I took guitar lessons and came home and taught Sonny what I learned, much to the chagrin of my parents. Later we went through College playing in a small band with Terry Brown on drums. I played lead guitar for Sonny and Gary for a while. When they took off I truly believed I would see them one day on American Bandstand.
I will always remember playing the twist with Sonny and Gary while Gary's wife, Ginger, danced. She always cleared the floor and all eyes were on her. We met quite a few celebrities when we played at the Teen Canteen. One in particular was Kenny Rodgers, singing with a regional group, the Scholars. Big hit at the time was "Beloved".
Back yard camp outs, teen dances during the summer on Sonny's cement patio, blowing his dad's shirt pocket off in one of our great firecracker battles. The best was when on a early Sat morning, Sonny wrapped three "Red Blue and Whites" together--lit them and we ran down the street only to discover that Sonny threw the match down--and kept the firecrackers. They exploded in his hand. No parents were home so I treated him with Unguintine. He got over the burn, but it took him a while to get over the amount of Unguintine I placed on his hand.
Sonny was a significant part of my life for many years. I miss seeing him, as I miss seeing so many others.
Posted by: Wallace Sisk | November 10, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Posted by: Wallace Sisk | November 10, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Sonny,
I was just reading through all the blogs and found the message from Buster Sullivan, my step-brother. I wish I had read your blog before the reunion this week-end to see if you still had contact with Buster. I have not heard from him or about him for lo these many years, and I had no idea if he was still even alive.... do you have any idea how to contact him, where he lives or any other information about him? I would be interested to hear about him and /or how to contact him.t
From your blog, you cerainly have had a blessed and interesting though convoluted life. Like all of us, our trials and twisted paths,along with our accomplishments, have made us strong and molded our characters to the successful individuals we are today.
Posted by: Lynn Chatfield Cartwright | April 18, 2010 at 05:42 PM