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Kal David, the voice of Sonny Eclipse, one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic Audio-Animatronics figures has sadly passed away at the age of 79 years old.
David was a talented blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, most known to Disney fans for his role as the voice of the loveable Audio-Animatronic alien, Sonny Eclipse, who performs daily at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in the Magic Kingdom.
The musician passed peacefully this morning, August 16, 2022, with his wife Laurie Bono sharing the unfortunate news with his fans via Facebook:
To family, friends, fans,
This morning my beloved husband, Kal David, with clarity and peacefulness in his heart, passed from this world. He wanted you all to know that he loved you and thanked you all for loving him. His music will live on as a testament to his incredible talent. He was a sweet, humble, wonderful man and the love of my life for 45 years…I will find my way into the future because that is what he asked of me…Please forgive me if I can’t return all the calls and messages I am receiving..I’ll do my best over time..I’m sending love and comfort to all of you.
Credit: Laurie Bono
Kal David, or David Raskin as was his given name at birth, was a successful musical artist out of Chicago whose career spanned 50 years. He led a successful musical career, primarily as a blues guitarist for a number of bands and through his incredible solo performances that took him across the county, with his last move taking him to Palm Springs, California following his marriage to fellow vocalist Laurie Bono.
Credit: DisneyDining.com
At the Walt Disney World Resort, David became the voice of Sonny Eclipse in 1995, with his vocals taking up residence in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. Sonny Eclipse, who is known for performing tunes like “Bright Little Star,” “Planetary Boogie,” and “Yew Nork, Yew Nork,” can be found playing his astro-organ alongside the invisible Space Angels all-day in the classic quick-service restaurant.
Credit: Yesterland
Elsewhere in Walt Disney World, David’s vocals could at one point be heard in EPCOT where he performed “Unhealthy Living Blues” for the Goofy About Health exhibit in the now defunct Wonders of Life pavilion.
We at DisneyTips join the rest of David’s fans in keeping his family in our thoughts during this difficult time.
