Bruce Hornsby is 60 years old today. A singer and keyboardist known for the spontaneity and creativity of his live performances, Hornsby draws frequently from classical, jazz, bluegrass, folk, Motown, gospel, rock, blues and jam band musical traditions with songwriting and seamless improvisations. Hornsby has achieved recognition for his solo albums and performances, his touring band Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, his bluegrass project with Ricky Skaggs and his appearances as a session-and guest-musician. He also collaborated with Grateful Dead and was a member of the band from September 1990 to March 1992, playing at over 100 shows during that period. Hornsby was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, a son of Robert Stanley Hornsby (1920–1998), an attorney, real-estate developer and former musician, and his wife, née Lois Saunier. He graduated from James Blair High School in Williamsburg in 1973, where he played on the basketball team. He studied music at the University of Richmond, as well as Berklee College of Music and the University of Miami, from which he graduated in 1977. In the spring of 1974 Hornsbys older brother Bobby, who attended the University of Virginia, formed the band Bobby Hi-Test and the Octane Kids to play fraternity parties, featuring Bruce on Fender Rhodes and vocals. The band, which is listed in Skeleton Key: A Dictionary for Deadheads, performed covers of Allman Brothers Band, The Band and predominantly Grateful Dead songs. In 1984, he formed Bruce Hornsby and the Range, who were signed to RCA Records in 1985. Besides Hornsby, Range members were David Mansfield (guitar, mandolin, violin), George Marinelli (guitars and backing vocals), Joe Puerta, former Ambrosia member (bass guitar and backing vocals) and John Molo (drums). In 1988, Hornsby first appeared on stage with the Grateful Dead, a recurring collaboration that continued until the bands dissolution. Hornsby went on to appear on stage frequently as a guest before becoming a regular fixture in the touring lineup for the Dead a few years later. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hornsby worked extensively as a producer and sideman, notably producing a comeback album for Leon Russell, an idol of Hornsbys. In 1989, Hornsby co-wrote and played piano on Don Henleys hit The End of the Innocence, and in 1991 played piano on Bonnie Raitts hit I Cant Make You Love Me. Bruce continues to feature both of these songs in his own concerts. He also appeared on albums by Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Crosby Stills and Nash, Stevie Nicks and Squeeze. Here, Hornsby performs “The Way It Is” from his 1986 album.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 12:08:39 +0000
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