Sonny Til

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Sonny Til was the stage name of Earlington Carl Tilghman (August 18, 1928–December 9, 1981), lead singer of The Orioles, a vocal group from Baltimore, Maryland. Their style was based on several earlier acts, in particular the Ink Spots and the Cats and the Fiddle. The group was at its peak from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s; their music was an important influence on doo wop and on popular music in general. Til led the group from its start until his death in 1981; by 1960 he was the only original member left in the group.

Besides being an accomplished tenor, Til was also a considerable sex symbol, his concerts often being noted for the enthusiasm he generated among women.