Not all CardinKids are dead enders. Some actually left Northeast Oklahoma and made something of themselves. One of those is Burl (Sonny) Lane. We know where he got his start, but here's what it says in his CD.
Burl Lane began formal studies of the Saxophone, Clarinet and Bassoon at the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma. During this time he performed with the Tulsa Philharmonic. From there Burl moved to New York City where he earned advanced degrees from the Julliard School of Music and Columbia University Teachers College. He became a member of the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, performed in Broadway Show theaters, radio and television productions as well as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York City Opera Orchestra, Lincoln Center Opera Orchestra, New York City Ballet Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, the Aspen Music Festival Orchestra, Casals Festival Puerto Rico, and the American Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski. Burl joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1965. He has appeared as a featured soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir George Solti conducting and has been the Saxophone soloist on all Chicago Symphony Orchestra recordings for 25 years. In 1995 Burl made his first tour of India with his Symphony Chamber Musicians Of Chicago, their performances in Bombay were acclaimed as "The cultural event of the year".
Of course, we knew him as just a CardinKid. Not many CardinKids have been overseas as a civilian, I bet. By the way, his CD is music you don't hear every day, but it's a nice get away.