Sonny Sharrock

Definition: **
Sonny Sharrock (1940–1994) was an American jazz guitarist known for his pioneering work in free jazz and his distinctive, aggressive playing style that expanded the role of the guitar in avant-garde music.

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**Sonny Sharrock**

**Definition:**
Sonny Sharrock (1940–1994) was an American jazz guitarist known for his pioneering work in free jazz and his distinctive, aggressive playing style that expanded the role of the guitar in avant-garde music.

**Article:**

### Early Life and Career
Born in Ossining, New York, Sonny Sharrock began playing guitar in his youth and was influenced by blues and rock music. He initially gained recognition in the late 1960s and early 1970s for his collaborations with saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and his work on the soundtrack for the film *Space Is the Place*.

### Musical Style and Influence
Sharrock was notable for his innovative approach to the electric guitar, incorporating feedback, distortion, and unconventional techniques to create a raw, expressive sound. His style bridged free jazz with elements of rock and funk, making him a unique figure in the jazz avant-garde scene.

### Later Career and Legacy
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Sharrock released several albums as a bandleader, including *Ask the Ages* (1991), which is often regarded as his masterpiece. He influenced a generation of guitarists and remains celebrated for pushing the boundaries of jazz guitar.

**Meta Description:**
Sonny Sharrock was an influential American jazz guitarist known for his pioneering free jazz style and innovative guitar techniques. He played a key role in expanding the possibilities of jazz guitar.