Sonny King

Sonny King, Las Vegas legend and world class entertainer, passes away at 83 years young. Sonny King, a resident of Las Vegas since 1955, passed away quietly Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, at home with his wife, Peggy, by his side. Sonny, "Las Vegas Hall of Fame" recipient, was a longtime pal of the "Rat Pack" Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Joey Bishop, as well as being credited with introducing Dean Martin to Jerry Lewis. Sonny appeared coast-to-coast throughout the USA, including engagements in New York, Chicago, Atlantic City, and Miami and more. He headlined in Europe at the world famous Palladium Theatre in London, England, as well as in Scotland, Ireland and Greece. He also, was in a special performance at the La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy. He even performed for the King and Queen of England. He performed for four presidents including Jack Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson and others. Sonny gained international fame as he headlined with the incomparable, Jimmy Durante, in a partnership that lasted 28 years. He appeared with such show business greats as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, Jerry Lewis, Red Skelton, Shecky Greene, Bob Hope... just to name a few. Sonny appeared on the Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, Mike Douglas, the Lennon Sisters and Ed Sullivan shows. His nightclub appearances included the world famous Copa Cabana Club in New York, the Chez' Paree', the Palmer House in Chicago, and the Diplomat in Miami. In Las Vegas, he headlined at the Sahara Hotel, the Desert Inn, the Sands, the Dunes, the Frontier and the Stardust. Culminating his career, performing the last four years at the Bootlegger Bistro. Sonny was a world class performer. A real crowd pleasing entertainer who invoked sincere and honest performances. Sonny will always be loved and missed by all who knew him for his kindness and generosity of himself to others. Jimmy Durante, who was like a father to him, told Sonny to always remember this and to live by it, "The Bigger They Are, The Nicer They Are". Living by that creed was one of the reasons on April 28, 2003, the Nevada State Legislature proclaimed it "Sonny King Day" throughout the state of Nevada via Senate Resolution #7. Sonny was predeceased by his father and mother, Antonio and Rosina Schiavone; and his sister, Grace Feola. Sonny is survived by his his loving wife, Peggy; brother, Donald Schiavone of Las Vegas; sister, Rose Marie Carino of New York; sons, Craig Unger of New Orleans, and Louis and Christopher Schiavone of Reno; daughter, Antoinette Bartlett of St. Louis; and 10 grandchildren. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Green Valley. Close friends and family members are asked to R.S.V.P. to Fran and "Mac" MacDonald to attend a reception at their home from 3:30-5:30 p.m.