Sonny Boy (song)

"Sonny Boy" is a popular song written in 1928 by Buddy DeSylva, Lew Brown, and Ray Henderson. It was originally performed by Al Jolson in the film The Singing Fool.

The song is a sentimental ballad expressing a father's deep love for his son. Jolson's performance, both in the film and on record, was a massive success, becoming one of the best-selling records of all time. Its popularity helped propel The Singing Fool to become one of the first successful talking pictures.

The song's lyrics are simple and direct, focusing on the unconditional love a father has for his child, referring to the child as "Sonny Boy" and praising his "eyes of blue" and "cheeks of tan." The melody is equally straightforward and memorable, contributing to its widespread appeal.

Over the years, "Sonny Boy" has been covered by numerous artists, including Shirley Temple, Judy Garland, and many others. While Al Jolson's version remains the most famous, the song's universal theme of parental love continues to resonate with audiences and ensures its place in the history of popular music. The song's massive popularity also sparked the use of "Sonny Boy" as a common nickname for young boys.