Raised in San Antonio, Sonny grew up behind his father’s two-seat barbershop, where discipline, hard work, and service were lived every day, not merely talked about. His parents made sacrifices so their children could dream bigger than their circumstances, and those early lessons shaped Sonny’s outlook on life and work. That foundation continues to guide the purpose, humility, and heart he brings to the stage today.

Twice named Billboard Magazine’s National Radio Personality of the Year, Sonny’s enthusiasm for life has been evident across decades of local and national radio and television.

In 2003 was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. He is also recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the Top 100 Radio Personalities of All Time.

As a program director and on-air personality, Sonny led and entertained at some of America’s most influential radio stations, including KIIS, KMPC and KFI in Los Angeles, as well as KTSA and KTFM in San Antonio.

Under his leadership, stations achieved stellar ratings and earned numerous awards for public service. That background gives him an intuitive understanding of audiences—how to engage them, align them, and keep them listening.

Sonny’s versatility adds depth to his keynote presence. He has excelled as a television host, actor, writer, commercial spokesman, voice artist, and master of ceremonies, serving as a spokesperson for brands such as Disney, Pepsi, McDonald’s, Sears, and Sprint.

As host of the Disney Channel’s award-winning You and Me, Kid!, one of the longest-running series in the network’s early history, he developed a warm, inclusive style that connected with parents and children around the world.

As a speaker and emcee, Sonny has been trusted with some of the most high-profile stages in the world, including seven appearances at the White House Hispanic Heritage Awards, the national Just Say No to Drugs rally at the Washington Monument, and the USO’s 40th Anniversary Gala at the Ambassador’s Palace in Paris

Service is not a talking point for Sonny—it is the throughline of his life. As Los Angeles commissioner for the United Nations’ Year of the Child, he presented the idea for a national children’s holiday in Washington, D.C. The result was Sunshine Day, officially proclaimed and celebrated in all 50 states, encouraging families to spend meaningful time together.

His Children of the World Project brought more than 1,500 children together to record a children’s version of “We Are the World,” benefiting USA for Africa and earning a Grammy nomination.

The City of San Antonio honored Sonny’s decades of community involvement by naming the Sonny Melendrez Community Center on the city’s West Side, recognizing his more than 1,400 motivational school presentations and ongoing commitment to disadvantaged youth and families.

He has been commended by President Ronald Reagan, honored by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, and named El Rey Feo—The People’s King—for raising significant scholarship funds during San Antonio’s Fiesta celebration.

Over his career, he is estimated to have raised more than $100 million in cash, goods, and services for charitable causes.

Sonny’s voice work—ranging from national advertising campaigns to iconic character voices for TV and movies (including the Jetsons series and the Gremlins movie)—adds an element of storytelling and performance that makes his keynote presentations dynamic, memorable, and engaging.

All of this experience comes together in his signature keynote, Unleashing Your Power of Intentional Enthusiasm.

Sonny reframes enthusiasm as a deliberate leadership choice—one that fuels resilience, strengthens culture, and inspires people to serve at a higher level.

As an opening keynote, his presentation aligns the room, lifts energy, and establishes a shared emotional language that carries throughout the conference.

Audiences leave focused, connected, and ready to engage—not just inspired for the moment, but equipped to make a difference long after the event ends.

Sonny Melendrez brings more than inspiration. He brings perspective, humanity, and a lived understanding of how belief, gratitude, and service can move people—and organizations—forward.