Sonny Miles
PHOTO: Samantha Everette
Sonny Miles is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for his versatile "chameleonic" sound that blends elements of gospel, R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and rock. Born Jordan Williams, he began his musical journey as a young drummer in his father’s church choir before moving to Raleigh to study at North Carolina State University. During his time in the Triangle area, he became a prominent figure in the local scene, participating in the a cappella group Grains of Time and the hip-hop collective Dotwav Media. His stage name serves as a tribute to jazz legends Sonny Stitt and Miles Davis, reflecting the deep-seated influences that inform his eclectic production and soulful vocals.
His career gained significant national momentum in 2019 when his collaboration "Raleighwood Hills" was featured on former President Barack Obama’s "Favorite Music" list. Since then, Miles has continued to build a prolific discography, culminating in the 2024 release of his full-length debut album, Gamma, which explores themes of intimacy and self-reflection through a mix of live instrumentation and modern textures. Recently, he released the 16-track project Early Sonny (2026) and has been featured on various platforms, including PBS NC’s Shaped by Sound, showcasing his ability to transition effortlessly between acoustic guitar ballads and complex, genre-defying arrangements.
“The only thing more impressive than former President Obama including ‘Raleighwood Hills’... on his Favorite Music of 2019 list was what happened, five years later, when the promising young North Carolina vocalist/guitarist channeled all of that unexpected attention into a textured debut... a beguiling batch of love songs.”
