Sonny Igoe was inspired by Gene Krupa, Kenny Clarke and Max Roach. He was originally self-taught but won a Gene Krupa drumming contest at age 16 nonetheless. During World War II, the drummer served in the army.

In the 1950s Sonny played with artists such as Benny Goodman, Woody Herman and Charlie Ventura.

The next decade, Sonny played with the CBS and NBC staff orchestras, backing tv show performers such as Ed Sullivan, and Merv Griffin.

During the 1970s Sonny spent most of his career as a studio musician and became one of the most respected drum educators in the world, inspiring thousands of private students. Starting in the 1980's he frequently co-led a big band with Dick Meldonian. Sonny performed well into his 80s. His son Tommy states:

"We were lucky to have Sonny for 88 glorious years. No complaints, only gratitude. He was strong right up to his last day. He went out exactly the way he wanted to. Strong, independent and on his own terms. We should all be so lucky."

Sonny's wife for 59 years, Claire Igoe, died in 2010.