GREER, WILLIAM ALEXANDER (SONNY
). Jazz drummer ( in Long Branch, New Jersey). He obtained his musical education in public schools of Long Branch, New Jersey, where he began playing drums during his high-school years. He first played professionally with local groups, including Wilbur Gardner, Mabel Ross, and Harry Yerek. He then played in Washington, D.C., with
Marie Lucas
at the Howard Theatre. In 1919 he met
Edward (Duke
) Ellington
, joined Ellington's band in...