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{{Short description|American musician (born 1954)}} | |||
'''Bruce Randall Hornsby''' (born ], ] in ]) is an ] ], virtuoso ], ] player, and ], best known for his 1980s ] "]" and the top five hits "Mandolin Rain" and "The Valley Road". Later in his career he moved in a less commercial, more musically challenging direction. | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} | |||
{{Infobox musical artist | |||
| name = Bruce Hornsby | |||
| image = Bruce Hornsby (32703421057) (cropped).jpg | |||
| caption = Hornsby in 2019 | |||
| birth_name = Bruce Randall Hornsby | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1954|11|23}} | |||
| birth_place = ], U.S. | |||
| occupation = Singer, musician | |||
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|piano}} | |||
| genre = ], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| years_active = 1974–present | |||
| label = ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| associated_acts = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| spouse = {{marriage|Kathy Yankovich|1983}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Bruce Hornsby: Movies, TV, and Bio |url=https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Bruce-Hornsby/amzn1.dv.gti.75a65e3c-e5d0-4ed3-8c1e-256d92626b66/ |website=www.amazon.com}}</ref> | |||
| website = {{URL|brucehornsby.com}} | |||
}} | |||
'''Bruce Randall Hornsby''' (born November 23, 1954) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. His music draws from ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] musical traditions.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bobby High Test and the Octane Kids | url=https://www.realhornsby.com/octanekids.htm | publisher=RealHornsby.com| access-date=November 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bruce-hornsby-mn0000633078/biography |title=Bruce Hornsby - Biography & History |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
==Early years== | |||
Hornsby grew up listening to all types of music. He studied music at the ], ] and the ], from which he graduated in 1977. He spent time in ] as a ] and songwriter, before moving back to Virginia. | |||
Hornsby has won three ]: a 1987 ] with ], a 1990 ], and a 1994 ]. | |||
==Range years== | |||
In 1984 he formed '''Bruce Hornsby and the Range''', who were signed to ] in 1985. Besides Hornsby, Range members were ] (], ], ]), ] (guitars and ]), ] (] and backing vocals), and ] (]). | |||
Hornsby has worked with his touring band Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, his bluegrass project with ], and as a session and guest musician. He was a touring member of the ] from September 1990 through March 1992, playing over 100 shows with the band. | |||
Hornsby's recording career started with the biggest hit he would ever have. | |||
With a propulsive yet contemplative piano riff and the refrain, ''That's just the way it is, some things will never change'', the song was both catchy and reflective of the ], and it topped the American music charts in ]. In years to come, the song would be sampled by at least six ] artists, including ] and ]. It is also used as some of the introductory music to ]'s popular ] program. | |||
His 23rd album, ''Flicted'', was released in May 2022. | |||
With the success of the single worldwide, the ] went ] and produced another top five hit with "Mandolin Rain" (co-written, as many of Hornsby's songs were, with his brother John). "Every Little Kiss" also did respectably well. Other tracks on the album helped establish what some labeled the "]", a mixture of ], ], and ] with an observational ] feel. Hornsby and the Range would go on to win the ] in 1987. | |||
==Early life and education== | |||
The wave of fame continued to roll with Hornsby and the Range's second album, ''Scenes From The Southside'' (on which ] replaced Mansfield). Released in ], it featured such hits as "Look Out Any Window" and "The Valley Road". The song "Jacob's Ladder" was featured as well, having originally been written by Hornsby for musician friend ]. Lewis' version became a number one hit from his album '']''. ''Scenes'' was successful in its own right and it would also be the last to perform so well in the singles market. | |||
Bruce Randall Hornsby was born in ], to Robert Stanley Hornsby (1920–1998), an attorney, real-estate developer and former musician, and Lois (née Saunier), a piano player and church community liaison who had a local middle school named after her.<ref name=hitsong>{{Cite news | url=https://www.newstatesman.com/uncategorized/2015/04/how-bruce-hornsby-survived-hit-song | title=How Bruce Hornsby survived a hit song | first=Kate |last=Mossman | work=] | date=April 24, 2015 | url-access=limited}}</ref> He has two brothers, Robert Saunier "Bobby" Hornsby, a realtor with Hornsby Realty and locally known musician, and ], an engineer with whom he has collaborated in songwriting.<ref>{{cite news| title=Lois Hornsby's Activism Bears Out Her Motto| work=]| date=July 23, 1996}}</ref> They are cousins of actor ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/370147%7C0/David-Hornsby/|title=Overview for David Hornsby|website=Turner Classic Movies|access-date=November 5, 2017}}</ref> While raised in the church of ], Hornsby went to doctors and dentists as needed. He had a ] upbringing.<ref name=hitsong/> | |||
Hornsby graduated from James Blair High School in Williamsburg in 1973, where he played on the basketball team and was chosen by his senior class as most likely to succeed.<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IikiA9FJN4cC&pg=PA119 | title=James City County | first=Sara E. | last=Lewis | publisher=Arcadia Publishing | year=2009| isbn=9780738568508 }}</ref> | |||
In 1988, Hornsby first appeared on stage with ]. This collaboration would continue on an irregular basis until the Dead ended in 1995; in all he made over 100 appearances with them. In 1989 Hornsby co-wrote and played piano on ]'s big hit "The End of the Innocence". In 1991 Hornsby played piano on ]'s popular hit "I Can't Make You Love Me". Hornsby would feature both these songs in his own concerts. | |||
He studied music at the ] for a year, at the ] for two semesters, and then at the ], where he graduated in 1977.<ref name=Levitation>{{Cite news | url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/bruce-hornsby-the-master-of-levitation-bruce-hornsby-by-mark-f-turner | title=Bruce Hornsby: The Master Of Levitation | first=MARK F. | last=TURNER | work=] | date=October 27, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/um-alumnus-bruce-hornsby-remembers-his-days-as-a-hurricane-8447708 | title=UM Alumnus Bruce Hornsby Remembers His Days as a Hurricane | first=LEE | last=ZIMMERMAN | work=] | date=May 13, 2016}}</ref> | |||
''A Night On The Town'' was released in ]. A change in style became apparent as the album was much more guitar driven, while the others were centered around Hornsby at the piano. After the album, the Range broke up with each member pursuing respective musical careers. | |||
== |
==Career== | ||
In 1974, Hornsby's older brother Bobby, who attended the ], formed the band "Bobby Hi-Test and the Octane Kids" to play fraternity parties, featuring Bruce on ] and vocals.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://glidemagazine.com/237007/bruce-hornsby-at-65-revisiting-the-pianist-vocalists-greatest-covers-non-hit-classics/ | title=BRUCE HORNSBY AT 65- REVISITING THE PIANIST/VOCALIST'S GREATEST COVERS & NON-HIT CLASSICS | first=Dave | last=Goodwich | work=Glide | date=November 25, 2019}}</ref><ref name="bobbyhitest">{{cite web | title=Bobby High Test and the Octane Kids | url=https://www.realhornsby.com/octanekids.htm | publisher=RealHornsby.com}}</ref> The band, which is listed in ''Skeleton Key: A Dictionary for Deadheads'', performed covers of ], ], and predominantly ] songs.<ref name="bobbyhitest" /> | |||
Hornsby would go on to release his first solo album ''Harbor Lights'' in ]. This record showcased Hornsby in a more jazz-oriented setting and featured an all-star lineup, including ], ], ], ], and Raitt. The tone was set by the opening title track, which after 50 seconds of expansive Virginia sound solo piano (written and recorded by Hornsby after the rest of the track was finished, because, as Hornsby would later say, he thought it would make a good opening to the album) lurches into an up-tempo jazz number, ending with Metheny's guitar runs. The album closes the same way on "Pastures of Plenty", this time with Garcia intertwined with Hornsby's piano. The mid-tempo "Fields of Gray", written for Hornsby's recently-born twin boys, received some modest radio airplay. | |||
Bobby Hornsby's son, Robert Saunier Hornsby, was a recurring guest-guitarist with Hornsby's band and periodically toured with his uncle until his death on January 15, 2009, in a car accident near ] at age 28.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://dailyprogress.com/news/article_358233e6-9bed-5263-a217-c8b37b30c790.html | title=The music keeps playing after a Hornsby's death | first=Bryan | last=MacKenzie | work=] | date=January 24, 2009 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/robert-hornsby-obituary?pid=178185783 | title=Robert Saunier Hornsby Obituary | date=March 22, 2016 | publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
''Harbor Lights'' was well-received by critics and fans, but Hornsby acknowledged that his days of popular commercial success were behind him, saying in interviews that it had been an accident that his ]-influenced piano work ever found itself in the middle of a hit record in the first place. | |||
Following his graduation from the ] in 1977, Hornsby returned to his hometown of Williamsburg, and played in local clubs and hotel bars. In 1980, he and his younger brother and songwriting partner ] moved to ], where they spent three years writing for ].<ref name="allmusic-bio">{{cite web | last=Ruhlmann | first=William | title=Bruce Hornsby: Biography | url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p4511/biography|pure_url=yes}} | publisher=]}}</ref> Before moving back to his native ], he also spent time in Los Angeles as a ]. In 1982, Hornsby joined the band ] for their last album '']'' and can be seen in the band's video for the album's single "How Can You Love Me". After Ambrosia disbanded, he and bassist ] performed as members of the touring band for ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/504164/bruce-hornsby/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929203646/http://www.mtv.com/news/504164/bruce-hornsby/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 29, 2021 | last=Tortorici | first=Frank | title=Bruce Hornsby | publisher=MTV Networks | date=November 23, 1998}}</ref> In 1984, Hornsby appeared in the music video for Easton's single "]".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.stereogum.com/2038972/bruce-hornsby-spike-lee-grateful-dead-bon-iver-absolute-zero/interviews/weve-got-a-file-on-you/ | title=We've Got A File On You: Bruce Hornsby | first=Ryan | last=Leas | work=] | date=July 31, 2019}}</ref> | |||
In 1995, ''Hot House'' was released. The jazz feelings that peppered the previous album would be expanded on here, giving the album a constant uptempo party sound. As is typical with Hornsby, the underlying messages behind the catchy tunes are often very dark, such as on "Country Doctor" and "White Wheeled Limosine". ], ], ]: these dark themes and more can be found in many Hornsby compositions. The album featured many of the same guests as on his previous record, such as Pat Metheny, and added ] to Hornsby's usual mix. Even though ''Hot House'' and ''Harbor Lights'' were not as popular as his works with the Range, many fans viewed them as some of his most satisfying works. | |||
===The Range=== | |||
Three years later, Hornsby released a ], ''Spirit Trail''. Featuring a decidedly goofy picture of his uncle on the cover, the collection blends instrumental tracks with the story-telling, rock, jazz, and other musical forms Hornsby had delved into over his career. Hornsby's piano playing gained further complexity here, as evidenced by his two-hand-independence on such tracks as "King of the Hill". | |||
{{Infobox musical artist | |||
| name = Bruce Hornsby and the Range | |||
| origin = ], California/], United States | |||
| genre = ], ], ] | |||
| years_active = 1984–1991 | |||
| label = ] | |||
| past_members = Bruce Hornsby<br />]<br />George Marinelli<br />]<br />] | |||
}} | |||
In 1984, Hornsby formed '''Bruce Hornsby and the Range''', who were signed to ] in 1985. Besides Hornsby, Range members were ] (], ], ]), George Marinelli (guitars and ]), former ] member ] (] and backing vocals), and ] (]). | |||
Hornsby next worked with several ] reformation projects, released a live album in 2000 entitled ''Here Come The Noise Makers'', and did extensive touring. | |||
{{listen | |||
It would not be until 2002 when he would release another album of new material, entitled ''Big Swing Face''. Hornsby wanted to experiment and did so by dropping the piano almost completely in favor of electric pianos and other ]. "Big Swing Face" also evidences a greater reliance upon programmed loops than most of his prior work, as well as lyrics that are in many ways more eccentric and humourous. The album was not well-received by many. | |||
|pos=left | |||
| filename = TheWayItIs.ogg | |||
| title = "The Way It Is" (1986) | |||
| description = The song's discussion of the troubled economy and race relations resonated with the American public and it remains Hornsby's best known song. | |||
| format = ] | |||
}} | |||
Hornsby's recording career started with the biggest hit he has had to date, "]". It reached number one on the ] in December 1986.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/bruce-hornsby/chart-history/hsi/ | title=The Way It Is | publisher=]}}</ref><ref name=Grain>{{cite journal | last=Metzger | first=John | title=Against the Grain: An Interview with Bruce Hornsby | journal=The Music Box | url=http://www.musicbox-online.com/bh-int.html | volume=7 | issue=11 | date=November 2000}}</ref> The song described aspects of ], the ] and ].<ref name="songfacts-thewayitis">{{cite web | url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/bruce-hornsby-the-range/the-way-it-is | publisher=] | title='The Way It Is' by Bruce Hornsby }}</ref> It has since been sampled by at least six ] artists, including ], ], and ].<ref name=Grain/> | |||
However, in ], after 19 successful years on RCA Records, Hornsby returned to a more acoustic, piano-driven sound on his Columbia Records debut ''Halcyon Days''. Guests included ], ], and ]. With no signs of slowing down yet, Bruce Hornsby remains a musician more concerned with his devoted fan base and his own growth as an artist than with commercial success. | |||
With the success of the single, the album '']'' received the ] of multi-platinum.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jambase.com/band/bruce-hornsby | title=Bruce Hornsby | publisher=]}}</ref> It included "]" (co-written, as many of Hornsby's early songs were, with his brother ]), another top-five hit.<ref name=Grain/> "]" peaked at number 14 on the ] in July 1987.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/bruce-hornsby/chart-history/hsi/ | title=Every Little Kiss | publisher=]}}</ref><ref name=Grain/> Other tracks on the album helped establish what some labeled the "Virginia sound", a mixture of ], ], and ].<ref name="cathalenaeburch">{{cite news | last=Burch | first=Cathalena E. | title=Musician tells it 'the way it is' |work=] |url=https://tucson.com/entertainment/music/musician-tells-it-the-way-it-is/article_6fbb8753-1501-5ea9-a12a-189767ffd3cd.html | date=December 29, 2005 }}</ref> Bruce Hornsby and the Range won the ] in 1987, beating out ], ], ], and ]. | |||
In addition to those mentioned above, Hornsby has worked with many other artists over the years, including ], ], ], ] and ] to name just a few. He continues to work with Dead-related projects, such as ]'s ] and The Other Ones, and in ] participated in a tribute concert to ]. | |||
Hornsby and the Range's sound was distinctive for its use of ] in Hornsby's piano solos, a bright piano sound and an extensive use of ]s as background for Hornsby's solos. John Molo's drumbeats were often looped throughout the recorded versions of songs. They are typical double-time beats, which allowed Hornsby and the rest of the band to do more with their solos. | |||
Hornsby has also taken an ownership interest in Williamsburg area radio station "The Tide", ] 107.9 ], so that (he said) his music could be heard on the radio in his hometown. Accordingly, his ''Brunch with Bruce'' program, where he plays selections from his concerts, is heard on Sunday mornings. | |||
{{Sidebar timeline | |||
Bruce Hornsby is a distant relative of ] great ] and sometimes performs with a ] of the player on his piano. | |||
| titlestyle = background: #f0e68c | |||
| title = Bruce Hornsby Timeline | |||
| color1 = #FF0000 | |||
| height1 = 8| years1 = 1984–1991 | |||
| members1 = Bruce Hornsby and the Range | |||
| color2 = #A2D12E | |||
| height2 = 3| years2 = 1990–1992 | |||
| members2 = Grateful Dead | |||
| color3 = #60629F | |||
| height3 = 3| years3 = 1993–1995 | |||
| members3 = Solo Albums: ''Harbor Lights'' & ''Hot House'' | |||
| color4 = #DCAA1F | |||
| height4 = 3| years4 = 1996–1998 | |||
| members4 = Further Festivals & The Other Ones, Solo Album: ''Spirit Trail'' | |||
| color5 = #6497C3 | |||
| height5 = 10| years5 = 1998–present | |||
| members5 = Bruce Hornsby and the Noise Makers | |||
| color6 = #BD3838 | |||
| height6 = 1| years6 = 2007–present | |||
| members6 = Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby | |||
| color7 = #11306A | |||
| height7 = 1| years7 = 2007–present | |||
| members7 = The Bruce Hornsby Trio (with Christian McBride & Jack DeJohnette) | |||
}} | |||
Hornsby and the Range's second album, '']'' (on which Peter Harris replaced Mansfield), was released in 1988.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1988-07-10-0050250211-story.html | title=HORNSBY KNOWS COUNTRY BY HEART | first=Agnes | last=Torres Al-Shibibi | work=] | date=July 10, 1988 | url-access=limited}}</ref> It included "Look Out Any Window" and "]" which many critics noted for their "more spacious" musical arrangements, allowing for "more expressive" piano solos from Hornsby.<ref name=birthday/><ref name=southside>{{cite web | last=Iyengar | first=Vic | title=Scenes From the Southside: Overview | url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r9511|pure_url=yes}} | publisher=]}}</ref> It also included "]", which the Hornsby brothers wrote for musician friend ]; Lewis's version became a number one hit from his album '']''.<ref name=leftfield>{{cite news | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-09-05-8603060424-story.html | title=BRUCE HORNSBY, HUEY LEWIS AND THE RECORDING CONTRACT THAT SNEAKED IN FROM LEFT FIELD | first=Tom | last=Popson | work=] | date=September 5, 1986 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1987-01-18-0100210139-story.html | title=HORNSBY'S HAPPY WITH THE WAY IT IS | first=Thom | last=Duffy | work=] | date=January 18, 1987 | url-access=limited}}</ref> ''Scenes'' offered further slices of "Americana" and "small-town nostalgia",<ref name=southside/> but it was the band's last album to perform well in the singles market.<ref name=birthday/> | |||
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hornsby worked extensively as a producer and sideman, producing a comeback album '']'' for ].<ref name="allmusic-bio" /> In 1987, Hornsby collaborated with Irish group ], playing and lending vocals to their single "]". Hornsby also appears on the official music video release for the track. In 1989, Hornsby co-wrote and played piano on ]'s hit "]". In 1991, he played piano on ]'s hit "]". He also appeared on albums by ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name=birthday/> | |||
He slowly began to introduce jazz and bluegrass elements into his music, first in live performance settings and later on studio work.<ref name=Grain/> In 1989, he first performed at the ]. He also reworked his hit "The Valley Road" with the ] for their album '']''. In February 1990, the song won Best Bluegrass Recording at the ]. | |||
In May 1990, he released '']'', on which he teamed up with jazz musicians ] (tenor saxophone) and ] (double bass) as well as bluegrass pioneer ] (banjo). A change in style became apparent as the album was much more rock and guitar driven, making use of ]'s guitar work on several tracks, including prominently on the single "]".<ref name="allmusic-anightonthetown">{{cite web | last=Newsom | first=Jim | title=A Night on the Town: Overview | url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r9512|pure_url=yes}} | publisher=]}}</ref> In concert, Hornsby and the Range began to stretch out their songs, incorporating more and more "freewheeling musical exchanges".<ref name=Grain/> Critics praised the album for its production, its political relevance, and Hornsby's gestures toward expanding out of a strictly pop sound by incorporating jazz and bluegrass.<ref name="allmusic-anightonthetown" /> Ultimately, though, the core "rock band" sound of the Range limited Hornsby's aspirations, and after a final three-week tour in 1991, Hornsby disbanded the Range to enter a new phase of his career.<ref name=Grain/> Drummer ] continued to perform regularly with Hornsby for another few years, although other members pursued separate musical endeavors. Following Hornsby's and Molo's involvement with ], Molo left Hornsby to become the primary drummer with bass guitarist ]. | |||
===Grateful Dead=== | |||
] in ]]] | |||
In 1988, Hornsby first appeared on stage with the ], a recurring collaboration that continued until the band's dissolution.<ref name=grateful>{{cite web | last=Heisler | first=Brett I. | title=Grateful Family and Friend: Bruce Hornsby | url=http://www.philzone.com/interviews/hornsby/ | publisher=philzone.com | date=October 9, 2000}}</ref> Hornsby was frequently a guest before becoming a regular fixture in the touring lineup for the Grateful Dead a few years later. | |||
From 1988 until ]'s death in 1995, Hornsby played more than 100 shows with the Grateful Dead.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bruce-hornsby-grateful-dead-interview-2015/ |title=Bruce Hornsby on the Grateful Dead, Connecting with Trey Anastasio + Going Beyond His Hits: Exclusive Interview |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=August 22, 2015 }}</ref> At some shows in 1988 and 1989, he joined the band as a special guest and played ] or synthesizer. Following the death of Grateful Dead keyboardist ] in July 1990, Hornsby played ] (and frequently accordion) at many gigs. Mydland's place was filled in September 1990 by ], who became the sole keyboardist by March 1992, although Hornsby still sat in with the band on occasion. | |||
Hornsby's own music evolved significantly during this time period. Critics have suggested that the Dead's vibrant tradition of melding ] and the ] with ] in "loose-knit expressions" and extended jamming "further pushed outside the confines of mainstream pop".<ref name=Grain/> Critics have also commented upon the close musical connection formed between Hornsby and Jerry Garcia, suggesting that Hornsby's particular style of jazz-fueled improvisation added to the band's repertoire and helped to revitalize and refocus Garcia's guitar solos in the band's sound.<ref name=grateful/> Hornsby's friendship with Garcia continued, both inside and outside the band, as the two "challenged" each other to expand their musicianship through several other album and live collaborations.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-19951008-1995-10-08-9510060238-story.html | title=BRUCE HORNSBY: MUSIC IS HIS THERAPY | first=SAM | last=MCDONALD | work=] | date=October 8, 1995 | url-access=limited}}</ref> Above all, Hornsby's musical versatility and ability to slip in and out of extended freeform jams won over longtime Grateful Dead fans.<ref>{{cite web | last=Barry | first=John W. | title=Bruce Hornsby Live Set Puts New Spin On Old Tunes | date=November 7, 2000 | url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1224281/20001107/hornsby_bruce.jhtml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930221006/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1224281/20001107/hornsby_bruce.jhtml | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 30, 2007 | access-date=May 4, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bruce-hornsby-interview-jerry-garcia-grateful-dead-1038619/ | title=Bruce Hornsby Looks Back on Jerry Garcia's Last Days: 'I Miss Him So Much' | first=DAVID | last=BROWNE | magazine=] | date=August 8, 2020}}</ref> | |||
Since his first involvement with the Grateful Dead, Hornsby's live shows have drawn ]s and Hornsby has commented: "I've always liked the group of fans that we've drawn from the Grateful Dead time, because those fans are often adventurous music listeners".<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/musicdb/artists/850/bruce-hornsby-trio | title=Bruce Hornsby Trio | work=]}}</ref> He has performed several of their songs at his concerts and as homages on studio and live albums, while Hornsby originals "]" and "Stander on the Mountain" appeared several times in the Dead's setlists. Hornsby also co-performed the improvisation "Silver Apples of the Moon" for the Grateful Dead's '']''. | |||
Hornsby was the presenter when the Grateful Dead were inducted into the ] in 1994<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/grateful-dead | title=The Grateful Dead | publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccnKwiCVst4 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/ccnKwiCVst4| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live| title=Bruce Hornsby Inducts the Grateful Dead into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1994 | via=] | publisher=] | date=January 18, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and in 2005 he participated in "Comes a Time", a tribute concert to Jerry Garcia. He continues to work with Dead-related projects, such as ]'s ], ]'s solo projects. He performed as part of ] in 1998 and 2000, and on occasion sat in with ]. Hornsby continues to be involved in the Grateful Dead and Furthur community. He played at the ] in 2012 with Bob Weir on rhythm guitar.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.last.fm/festival/3208005+All+Good+Music+Festival+2012 | title=All Good Music Festival 2012 | publisher=]}}</ref> In mid-2013, Hornsby performed with Grateful Dead-influenced bluegrass group ]. Hornsby reunited with surviving members of the Grateful Dead along with ] from ] and Jeff Chimenti at ] in Santa Clara, California, and later at ] in ], Illinois, in July 2015.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.jambase.com/article/grateful-dead-celebration-with-anastasio-hornsby-in-chicago | title=Grateful Dead Celebration With Anastasio & Hornsby In Chicago | work=] | date=January 16, 2015}}</ref> | |||
===Solo=== | |||
], 2006]] | |||
Hornsby released his first solo album, '']'', in 1993. The record showcased him in a more jazz-oriented setting and featured a lineup that included ], ], ], ] and ]. Hornsby secured his third Grammy in 1993 for Best Pop Instrumental for "Barcelona Mona" (composed with ] for the ]). | |||
In 1995, '']'' was released, its cover art featuring an imagined jam session between ] musician ] and ] saxophonist ]. Hornsby expanded into the jazz sound from ''Harbor Lights'', this time reintroducing elements of bluegrass from ''A Night on the Town'' and his earlier collaborations.<ref>{{cite web | last=Miller | first=Skyler | title=Hot House: Overview | url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r216522|pure_url=yes}} | publisher=]}}</ref> "Walk in the Sun" reached number 54 on the ].<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/bruce-hornsby/chart-history/hsi/ | title=Walk In The Sun | magazine=]}}</ref> | |||
{| class="toccolours" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:#c6dbf7; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5" | |||
| style="text-align: left;" | "To be creative, spontaneous in the moment and make music in the present tense, that's what we're all about live. I write the songs, we make the records and then the records become a departure point, the basic blueprint, the basic arrangement. I'm fairly restless creatively. I was never a very good Top 40 band guy because I never liked to play the same thing every time. Too often songwriters approach their songs like museum pieces. I don't subscribe to that. I think of my songs as living beings that evolve and change and grow through the years."<ref>{{cite book | title=The Grateful Dead | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HxCDDwAAQBAJ | first=Michele C. | last=Hollow | publisher=] | date=December 15, 2018|isbn = 9781978505230}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| style="text-align: left;" |—Bruce Hornsby | |||
|}During this time period, "even his concerts conveyed a looser, more playful mood, and Hornsby began taking requests from the audience".<ref name=Grain/> Hornsby's concerts became "departure points" for his album compositions, which would be blended with and reworked into "lengthy spontaneous medleys".<ref name=Grain/> Both in terms of audience requests and in terms of spontaneous on-stage decisions, Hornsby's performances became opportunities for him to challenge himself by trying to "find a way to seamlessly thread these seemingly disparate elements together".<ref name=Grain/> | |||
Hornsby next worked with several Grateful Dead reformation projects, including several Furthur Festivals and ], which resulted in the release of a live album, '']''. As part of The Other Ones, Hornsby performed Grateful Dead tunes "]" and "]" (which features Hornsby on lead vocal, in Jerry Garcia's absence), as well as Hornsby-originals "White-Wheeled Limousine" and "Rainbow's Cadillac". Hornsby dropped out of The Other Ones in 2002.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Joel | last=Selvin | authorlink=Joel Selvin | url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Other-Ones-reunite-Former-Grateful-Dead-mates-2749192.php | title=Other Ones Reunite | work=] | date=December 1, 2002}}</ref> | |||
In 1998, three years after ''Hot House'', Hornsby released a double album, '']''. Featuring a picture of his uncle on the cover,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-19981009-1998-10-09-9810140303-story.html | title=HORNSBY CONJURES A NEW 'SPIRIT' | first=SAM | last=MCDONALD | work=] | date=October 9, 1998 | url-access=limited}}</ref> the collection blended instrumental tracks with the story-telling, ], jazz, and other musical forms Hornsby had delved into over his career. The album considered "very Southern" themes with "songs about race, religion, judgment and tolerance" and "struggles with these issues".<ref>{{cite AV media | url=https://music.youtube.com/channel/MPREb_4ruCbQcQebz | title=Spirit Trail | publisher=]}}</ref> An example is "Sneaking Up on Boo Radley", which references the character from ]'s ]-winning novel '']''. | |||
Throughout the sequence of '']'', ''Hot House'', and ''Spirit Trail'', Hornsby's piano playing steadily gained further complexity, taking on a more varied array of musical styles and incorporating more difficult techniques, as evidenced by his two-hand-independence on ''Spirit Trail''{{'s}} "King of the Hill". During this same span of solo album years, Hornsby made several mini-tours playing solo piano gigs for the first time in his career.<ref name=leftfield/> The shows allowed Hornsby additional possibilities for segueing songs into other songs, often blurring lines between classical compositions, jazz standards, traditional bluegrass, ], and ] tunes, Grateful Dead songs, as well as reworkings of Hornsby originals.<ref name=grateful/> Hornsby reflected on these periods of intensive solo performances, stating that the solo tours helped him "recommit to the study of piano" and "take playing to a whole new level", explorations and improvisations that would not be possible in a band setting.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.adelphi.edu/news/bruce-hornsby-to-perform-for-a-sold-out-audience-at-adelphi/ | title=Three-Time Grammy Award Winner Bruce Hornsby to Perform for a Sold Out Audience at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center on February 10 | publisher=] | date=January 23, 2012}}</ref> | |||
In August 2014, Hornsby released his first entirely live solo album, ''Solo Concerts''. | |||
In April 2019, his 21st album, ''Absolute Zero'', was released. It features collaborations with ] and Sean Carey of ], ], ], ], ], and Brad Cook. | |||
===The Noisemakers=== | |||
Hornsby's touring band lineup underwent extensive changes between 1998 and 2000, with longtime drummer ] joining former ] bassist ] in his band ].<ref name=grateful/> A set of twenty consecutive shows performed by Hornsby and his band at ] in ] included a lot of spontaneity and taking requests from the audience, a form that he continues at live shows to this day.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.diablomag.com/blog/popcorn-picks/awesome-exclusive-interview-with-bruce-hornsby/article_cacd09fa-2e32-5665-a9cc-85a775adc89d.html | title=Awesome Exclusive Interview with Bruce Hornsby | work=Diablo | date=March 20, 2015}}</ref> As Hornsby experimented with a different sound, ushering in frequent collaborations with such musicians as ] on guitar and Bobby Read on heavily effects-driven electronic woodwinds, a new band, dubbed the Noisemakers, took shape. In 2000, Hornsby chronicled this journey with a compilation live album entitled '']'', and did extensive touring with his new band featuring John "J.T." Thomas (], ]), Bobby Read (]s, ], ]), J.V. Collier (]), Doug Derryberry (], ]), and several different drummers before ] took over full-time. | |||
], audience requests visible across keyboard]] | |||
In 2002, Hornsby released '']''. The album was Hornsby's most experimental effort to date. It was the only album on which Hornsby barely plays any piano and relied heavily on post-electronica beats, drum loops, Pro Tools editing, and dense synthesizer arrangements.<ref name="allmusic-bigswingface">{{cite web | last=Erlewine | first=Stephen Thomas | title=Big Swing Face: Overview | url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r593251|pure_url=yes}} | publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75176/hornsby-eschews-trademark-sound-for-big-swing-face/ | title=Hornsby Eschews Trademark Sound For 'Big Swing Face' | magazine=] | date=July 8, 2002}}</ref> ''Big Swing Face'' received mixed reviews, ranging from "a new and improved Bruce Hornsby"<ref>{{cite web | last=Miller | first=Skyler | title=Halcyon Days: Overview | url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r695109|pure_url=yes}} | publisher=]}}</ref> to being called one of the "strangest records of 2002".<ref name="allmusic-bigswingface" /> | |||
In 2004, after 19 successful years on RCA Records, Hornsby signed with ] and returned to a more acoustic, piano-driven sound on his Columbia Records debut album, '']'', released in June 2004. Guests included ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.sony.com/content/sony/en/en_us/SCA/company-news/press-releases/sony-music-entertainment/2004/bruce-hornsby-comes-to-columbia-records-with-new-album-halcyon-days.html | title=Bruce Hornsby Comes to Columbia Records With New Album, Halcyon Days | publisher=] | date=June 1, 2004}}</ref> | |||
Throughout tours following the album's release, both with the Noisemakers and in solo performances, Hornsby continued to demonstrate his desire to "grow" as a singer and performer and to expand the instrumental possibilities of the piano in various genres.<ref name="cathalenaeburch" /> | |||
In July 2006, Hornsby released a four-CD/DVD box set titled '']''. The discs are thematically broken into three categories: "Top 90 Time", "Solo Piano, Tribute Records, Country-Bluegrass, Movie Scores", and "By Request (Favorites and Best Songs)".<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2006-08-25/397721/ | title=Bruce Hornsby | first=JIM | last=CALIGIURI | work=] | date=August 25, 2006}}</ref> A full third of the music is previously unreleased; many familiar tracks are presented as unreleased live versions rather than the original studio recordings, and the majority of the remaining tracks are from single ]s, collaborations or tribute albums, and movie soundtracks.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bruce Hornsby: Intersections | publisher=] | url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/bruce-hornsby-intersections-1985-2005-by-john-kelman.php | last=Kelman | first=John | date=November 4, 2006}}</ref> One song, "Song H", a new composition, was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental in 2007 at the ].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/winners-nominees/193 | title=GRAMMY Awards Winners & Nominees for Best Pop Instrumental Performance | publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
In 2007, Hornsby began more regularly playing classical music: at a concert in ], Missouri, during Hornsby's improvisational session in "The Way It Is", he began playing ]'s ] along with the drums. In a different city, he played five straight Goldberg Variations over the drum intro of "Gonna Be Some Changes Made".<ref name=hitsong/> | |||
On September 15, 2009, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers released their fourth album, '']'' to mixed reviews; it included new solo material with several songs co-written with Chip DiMatteo for the Broadway play '']''. | |||
In May 2011, the band released a live album, ''Bride of the Noisemakers''. | |||
On June 17, 2016, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers released their sixth album and fourth studio album, ''Rehab Reunion''. Hornsby only plays the ] on the album and does not play piano. The album was also Hornsby's first release on 429 Records. Like on many of his previous releases, ''Rehab Reunion'' features collaborations with guest artists. ] of ] sings background vocals on "Over the Rise". ] duets with Hornsby on "Celestial Railroad". Also noteworthy is a folk version of "The Valley Road", originally a hit in 1988 with Hornsby's first backing band, the Range.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/night_and_day/jennings-bruce-hornsbys-show-will-be-the-way-it-is/article_ba5e862a-b61b-5fe1-9fa4-34a1bf006ff8.html | title=JENNINGS: Bruce Hornsby's show will be 'The Way It Is' | first=Thom | last=Jennings | work=] | date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> | |||
===Skaggs & Hornsby/The Bruce Hornsby Trio=== | |||
In March 2007, Hornsby teamed with bluegrass player ] to produce a bluegrass album, '']'', followed by a tour. In 2000, the pair had collaborated on "Darlin' Cory", a track on the ''Big Mon'' ] ].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.startribune.com/bruce-hornsby-and-ricky-skaggs-bring-bluesgrass-to-burnsville-nov-2/229395091/ | title=Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs bring bluesgrass to Burnsville Nov. 2 | first=Liz | last=Rolfsmeier | work=] | date=October 26, 2013}}</ref> ''Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby'', featuring the duo backed by Skaggs's band Kentucky Thunder, combined bluegrass, traditional ], jazzy piano and a splash of humor on a spectrum of songs from the traditional to new compositions such as the opening track, "The Dreaded Spoon", a humorous tale of a youthful ice cream heist. The pair also reinvented Hornsby's hit "Mandolin Rain" as a ] acoustic ballad and give his cautionary tale of backwoods violence, "A Night on the Town", a treatment highlighting the "]n storytelling tradition that was always at the song's heart".<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/26/arts/music/26skag.html | title=A Collaboration Recalls an Isolated Rural America | first=Jon | last=Pareles | authorlink=Jon Pareles | work=] | date=April 26, 2007 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.popmatters.com/ricky-skaggs-and-bruce-hornsby-ricky-skaggs-and-bruce-hornsby-2496199211.html | title=Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby | work=] | date=May 14, 2007}}</ref> | |||
The album ended with a cover of ]'s ] hit "]" in a bluegrass arrangement. The album peaked at number one on the '']'' Bluegrass Albums list; it was on the charts for 52 weeks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ricky-skaggs/chart-history/bgr/ | title=Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby | publisher=]}}</ref> With the album, Hornsby disproved the notion that the piano is not compatible with "string-oriented" bluegrass. The duo released the live album ''Cluck Ol' Hen'' in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ksut.org/music/2013-09-05/ricky-skaggs-bruce-hornsby-cluck-ol-hen-feature-cd-9-6 | title=Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby, Cluck Ol' Hen, feature CD 9/6 | publisher=] | date=September 5, 2013}}</ref> | |||
Concurrently with the bluegrass project, Hornsby recorded a ] album, '']'' with ] (]) and ] (]).<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.offbeat.com/music/bruce-hornsby-christian-mcbride-jack-dejohnette-camp-meeting-sony-legacy/ | title=Bruce Hornsby, Christian McBride, Jack DeJohnette, Camp Meeting (Sony Legacy) | first=MARK | last=LAMAIRE | work=] | date=December 1, 2007}}</ref> Alongside original compositions by Hornsby, the trio delivered newly reharmonized versions of tunes by ], ], ] and ], a previously unrecorded ] work ("Questions and Answers") and an early ] composition ("Death and the Flower").<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegram.com/article/20070831/NEWS/708310382 | title=Bruce Hornsby: life after pop stardom | first=Charles J. | last=Gans | work=] | agency=] | date=August 31, 2007}}</ref> The trio made a series of appearances in the summer of 2007, including the ], the ] and at the ].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegram.com/article/20070805/column14/708050388 | title=I get them with the rhythm | first=Scott | last=McLennan | work=] | date=August 5, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
On January 4, 2007, former Grateful Dead members ], ] and ] reunited along with Hornsby, ] (of ] and the ]) and ] to play two sets, including Dead classics, at a post-inauguration fundraising party for ] ].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2007/01/06/partying-dead-wake-up-the-democrats/98ec267c-78a5-4feb-a3b4-bac2f6c76929/ | title=Partying Dead Wake Up The Democrats | first=J. Freedom | last=du Lac | newspaper=] | date=January 6, 2007 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2007/01/07/speaker-pelosi-hosts-day-of-the-dead-in-d-c/ | title=Speaker Pelosi hosts day of the Dead in D.C. | work=] | date=January 7, 2007}}</ref> | |||
Hornsby wrote songs for '']'', a ]; one song from this project, a playful biographical tune about real-estate tycoon ] titled "The Don of Dons", was played often at Hornsby's solo piano performances in early 2007. In 2009, he composed the score for ]'s ] documentary, '']'', about ] star ] and his MVP season.<ref name=Levitation/> | |||
Hornsby invested in Williamsburg area radio station "The Tide" ] 92.3 ]. He has endowed the Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music Program at the ] of ].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://cam.frost.miami.edu/ | title=CREATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC | publisher=]}}</ref> Hornsby played himself in a cameo role in the ] movie '']'', in which Williams' character is a Bruce Hornsby fan. | |||
==Additional collaborations== | |||
On July 10, 1990, Hornsby made a guest appearance with the Grateful Dead onstage at ] in ], playing accordion during portions of the first and second sets. Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland died just over two weeks later, and Hornsby was summoned as a temporary replacement. The Grateful Dead released this concert on YouTube in its entirety on July 10, 2020, the 30th anniversary of the performance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grateful Dead - Live at Carter-Finley Stadium 7/10/90 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaMvpDDuGuw&t=0s |website=YouTube.com | date=July 10, 2020 |access-date=24 September 2023}}</ref> | |||
On October 18, 1991, Hornsby joined ], co-founder ] on stage at Auditorio de la Cartuja in ], Spain. Playing keyboards and singing the choruses of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kahn |first=Andy |title=Happy Birthday Bruce Hornsby: Joining Pink Floyd's Roger Waters In 1991 |url=https://www.jambase.com/article/bruce-hornsby-pink-floyd-roger-waters-comfortably-numb |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
In 2014, Hornsby toured selected dates with Pat Metheny Unity Group. | |||
In 2016, Hornsby performed on a track, "Black Muddy River", along with indie folk band (and ]'s former band) ] on ''Day of the Dead'', a Grateful Dead ], benefiting the ], an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for ] and ]. Hornsby performed the song alongside Vernon that same year in ]. Hornsby performed alongside Vernon at Coachella in 2017, performing Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me;" the performance also featured ].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://indyweek.com/music/archives/justin-vernon-megafaun-reunite-cover-grateful-dead-...-bruce-hornsby/ | title=Justin Vernon and Megafaun Reunite to Cover the Grateful Dead ... With Bruce Hornsby? | first=DAVID | last=KLEIN | work=] | date=March 28, 2016}}</ref> | |||
Hornsby has composed and performed for many projects with filmmaker ], including end-title songs for two films, '']'' (1995) with ] and '']'' (2001). He contributed music for '']'' (2010), '']'' (2013) and '']'' (2015), and full film scores for Lee's ] documentary for ESPN: '']'' (2009), '']'' (2012), '']'' (2015), and Lee's film for the NBA 2K16 video game (2015). He scored Lee's Netflix production '']'' (2017, 2019). Hornsby wrote and performed new music for Lee's film '']'' (2018). in 1993, Lee directed the video for Hornsby's song "Talk Of The Town". | |||
On July 3, 2023, Bruce appeared with The Doobie Brothers in Portsmouth, Virginia during their extended 50th anniversary tour, where he performed on keyboards and soloed on several songs. | |||
On December 9, 2023, Bruce appeared with ] in Hampton, Virginia during their Goosemas run, where he performed "The Way It Is" on keyboards. | |||
==Equipment== | |||
Hornsby uses a ] ]. With the Range and up until 1995, he used a ] concert grand piano. He currently uses a ] synthesizer. With the Range, Hornsby used an ] synthesizer. | |||
Hornsby selected ten Model B Steinway Grands to be featured in its Limited Edition Signature Piano Series, each one personalized with his signature. Hornsby owns three {{cvt|9|ft|m|sigfig=2}} Model D Steinway Grands. | |||
For his 2016 album ''Rehab Reunion'', he played ] made by BlueLion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kmuw.org/post/bruce-hornsby-picks-dulcimer-rehab-reunion |title=Bruce Hornsby Picks Up The Dulcimer For 'Rehab Reunion'| first=Jedd |last=Beaudoin | work=] | date=May 17, 2016}}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | |||
Hornsby and his wife Kathy have twin sons, born 1992: Russell, who ran for the ] team at the ], and ], who played Division I ] for the ] ] from ] to ], transferred to ] and played for LSU from ] to ].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9397761 | first=Jeff | last=Goodman | title=Hornsby, son of musician, transfers to LSU| work=] | date=June 17, 2013}}</ref> They were named after musicians ] and ], respectively.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.oklahoman.com/article/2430537/hornsby-hails-home-recording | title=Hornsby Hails Home Recording | first=DAVID | last=BAUDER | work=] | date=May 14, 1993 | url-access=limited | archive-date=September 30, 2021 | access-date=September 30, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930041511/https://www.oklahoman.com/article/2430537/hornsby-hails-home-recording | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1993-11-05-2949251-story.html | title=IN TAKING RISKS, BRUCE HORNSBY FINDS SAFE HARBOR | first=GEOFF | last=GEHMAN | work=] | date=November 5, 1993 | url-access=limited}}</ref> | |||
Hornsby is a regular ] player and an avid fan of the sport.<ref name=birthday>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1955/you-say-its-your-birthday-bruce-hornsby/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930043002/http://www.mtv.com/news/1955/you-say-its-your-birthday-bruce-hornsby/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 30, 2021 | title=You Say It's Your Birthday: Bruce Hornsby | publisher=] | date=November 21, 1997}}</ref> As such, he can frequently be seen at ] games throughout Virginia. Hornsby stated that he beat ] in one-on-one basketball three games in a row after helping him get out of jail.<ref>{{cite news | first=Bruce | last=Hornsby | title=Radio interview | work=] | interviewer=Dan LeBatard | publisher=] | date=March 21, 2017}}</ref> He is also a friend of ] manager ] and attends games in ]. Their friendship led to La Russa introducing Hornsby to jazz bassist ], which then led to the formation of The Bruce Hornsby Trio (along with drummer ]) and their first album, '']''. | |||
==Awards and nominations== | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" | |||
|- | |||
! scope="col" | Award | |||
! scope="col" | Year | |||
! scope="col" | Nominee(s) | |||
! scope="col" | Category | |||
! scope="col" | Result | |||
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" rowspan=3|] | |||
| 1988 | |||
| "]" | |||
| rowspan=3|Most Performed Songs | |||
| {{won}} | |||
| <ref>{{cite web | url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1988/BB-1988-06-04.pdf#page=5 | title=Billboard | date=May 25, 1991}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| 1990 | |||
| rowspan=2|"]" | |||
| {{won}} | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1990/CB-1990-06-23.pdf|title=Cash Box|date=June 23, 1990|website=Worldradiohistory.com|access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| 1991 | |||
| {{won}} | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-05-25.pdf#page=113|format=PDF|title=Billboard|date=May 25, 1991|website=Worldradiohistory.com|access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!scope="row" rowspan=13|] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| {{won}} | |||
| rowspan=13|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/bruce-hornsby/3432|title=Bruce Hornsby|date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan=3|] | |||
| "]" | |||
| ] | |||
| {{won}} | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan=2|"]" | |||
| ] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Across the River" | |||
| ] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Barcelona Mona" | |||
| rowspan=3|] | |||
| {{won}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "The Star Spangled Banner" | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan=2|] | |||
| "Song B" | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| "Love Me Still" | |||
| ] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Song C" | |||
| rowspan=3|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Song F" | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Song H" | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Is This America?" | |||
| ] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
!scope="row"|] | |||
| ] | |||
| "]" | |||
| ] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3519776/awards|title=Bruce Hornsby & The Range|website=IMDb|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!scope="row" rowspan=3|] | |||
| 1987 | |||
| rowspan=2|] | |||
| rowspan=2|Next Major Arena Headliner | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pollstarpro.com/PCIA-Static/awards1986.htm|title=Pollstar Awards Archive - 1986|date=March 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320043538/http://www.pollstarpro.com/PCIA-Static/awards1986.htm|access-date=September 16, 2021|archive-date=March 20, 2017}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan=2|1988 | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| rowspan=2|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pollstarpro.com/PCIA-Static/awards1987.htm|title=Pollstar Awards Archive - 1987|date=March 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320044007/http://www.pollstarpro.com/PCIA-Static/awards1987.htm|access-date=September 16, 2021|archive-date=March 20, 2017}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| ''Tour'' | |||
| Small Hall Tour Of The Year | |||
| {{won}} | |||
{{end}} | |||
==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
===Albums=== | |||
* ''The Way It Is'' (1986) #3 US (RIAA: 3xPlatinum) | |||
* ''Scenes From The Southside'' (1988) #5 US (RIAA: Platinum) | |||
* ''A Night On The Town'' (1990) #20 US | |||
* ''Harbor Lights'' (1993) #46 US | |||
* ''Hot House'' (1995) #68 US | |||
* ''Spirit Trail'' (1998) #148 US | |||
* ''Here Come The Noise Makers'' (2000) #167 US | |||
* ''Big Swing Face'' (2002) | |||
* ''Halcyon Days'' (2004) #86 US | |||
{{main|Bruce Hornsby discography}} | |||
===Singles=== | |||
{{col div}} | |||
* "The Way It Is" (1986) #1 US | |||
* '']'' (1986) | |||
* "Mandolin Rain" (1987) #4 US | |||
* '']'' (1988) | |||
* "Every Little Kiss" (1987) #14 US | |||
* '']'' (1990) | |||
* "The Valley Road" (1988) #5 US | |||
* '']'' (1993) | |||
* "Look Out Any Window" (1988) #35 US | |||
* '']'' (1995) | |||
* "Across The River" (1990) #18 US | |||
* '']'' (1998) | |||
* "Lost Soul" (1990) #84 US | |||
* '']'' (2000) (live album) | |||
* "Fields Of Gray" (1993) #69 US | |||
* '']'' (2002) | |||
* "Walk In The Sun" (1995) #54 US | |||
* '']'' (2004) | |||
* '']'' (2004) (compilation) | |||
* '']'' (2007) | |||
* '']'' (2009) | |||
* '']'' (2011) (live album) | |||
* '']'' (2012) | |||
* ''Solo Concerts'' (2014) (live album) | |||
* '']'' (2016) | |||
* '']'' (2019) | |||
* ''Non-Secure Connection'' (2020) | |||
* '''Flicted'' (2022) | |||
{{col div end}} | |||
== |
==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
==External links== | |||
* | |||
* |
* {{Official website|https://www.brucehornsby.com/}} | ||
* —Bruce Hornsby fan website | |||
* - The Music Box, Vol. 7, #11 | |||
** | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* {{IMDb name|id=0395193}} | |||
* , TheWaster.com | |||
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Latest revision as of 00:43, 8 January 2025
American musician (born 1954)
Bruce Hornsby | |
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Hornsby in 2019 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Bruce Randall Hornsby |
Born | (1954-11-23) November 23, 1954 (age 70) Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S. |
Genres | Rock, gospel, heartland rock, jazz, bluegrass, blues rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
Instruments |
|
Years active | 1974–present |
Labels | RCA, CBS/Sony, Sony BMG, Vanguard, Sire |
Spouse |
Kathy Yankovich (m. 1983) |
Website | brucehornsby |
Bruce Randall Hornsby (born November 23, 1954) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. His music draws from folk rock, jazz, bluegrass, folk, Southern rock, country rock, jam band, rock, heartland rock, and blues rock musical traditions.
Hornsby has won three Grammy Awards: a 1987 Grammy Award for Best New Artist with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Recording, and a 1994 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
Hornsby has worked with his touring band Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, his bluegrass project with Ricky Skaggs, and as a session and guest musician. He was a touring member of the Grateful Dead from September 1990 through March 1992, playing over 100 shows with the band.
His 23rd album, Flicted, was released in May 2022.
Early life and education
Bruce Randall Hornsby was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, to Robert Stanley Hornsby (1920–1998), an attorney, real-estate developer and former musician, and Lois (née Saunier), a piano player and church community liaison who had a local middle school named after her. He has two brothers, Robert Saunier "Bobby" Hornsby, a realtor with Hornsby Realty and locally known musician, and John Hornsby, an engineer with whom he has collaborated in songwriting. They are cousins of actor David Hornsby. While raised in the church of Christian Science, Hornsby went to doctors and dentists as needed. He had a politically liberal upbringing.
Hornsby graduated from James Blair High School in Williamsburg in 1973, where he played on the basketball team and was chosen by his senior class as most likely to succeed.
He studied music at the University of Richmond for a year, at the Berklee College of Music for two semesters, and then at the University of Miami, where he graduated in 1977.
Career
In 1974, Hornsby's 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.
Bobby Hornsby's son, Robert Saunier Hornsby, was a recurring guest-guitarist with Hornsby's band and periodically toured with his uncle until his death on January 15, 2009, in a car accident near Crozet, Virginia at age 28.
Following his graduation from the University of Miami in 1977, Hornsby returned to his hometown of Williamsburg, and played in local clubs and hotel bars. In 1980, he and his younger brother and songwriting partner John Hornsby moved to Los Angeles, where they spent three years writing for 20th Century Fox. Before moving back to his native Hampton Roads, he also spent time in Los Angeles as a session musician. In 1982, Hornsby joined the band Ambrosia for their last album Road Island and can be seen in the band's video for the album's single "How Can You Love Me". After Ambrosia disbanded, he and bassist Joe Puerta performed as members of the touring band for Sheena Easton. In 1984, Hornsby appeared in the music video for Easton's single "Strut".
The Range
Bruce Hornsby and the Range | |
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Origin | Los Angeles, California/Williamsburg, Virginia, United States |
Genres | Rock, pop rock, soft rock |
Years active | 1984–1991 |
Labels | RCA Records |
Past members | Bruce Hornsby David Mansfield George Marinelli Joe Puerta John Molo |
In 1984, Hornsby 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), former Ambrosia member Joe Puerta (bass guitar and backing vocals), and John Molo (drums).
"The Way It Is" (1986) The song's discussion of the troubled economy and race relations resonated with the American public and it remains Hornsby's best known song.Problems playing this file? See media help.
Hornsby's recording career started with the biggest hit he has had to date, "The Way It Is". It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1986. The song described aspects of homelessness, the American civil rights movement and institutional racism. It has since been sampled by at least six rap artists, including Tupac Shakur, E-40, and Mase.
With the success of the single, the album The Way It Is received the RIAA certification of multi-platinum. It included "Mandolin Rain" (co-written, as many of Hornsby's early songs were, with his brother John), another top-five hit. "Every Little Kiss" peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1987. Other tracks on the album helped establish what some labeled the "Virginia sound", a mixture of rock, jazz, and bluegrass. Bruce Hornsby and the Range won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987, beating out Glass Tiger, Nu Shooz, Simply Red, and Timbuk3.
Hornsby and the Range's sound was distinctive for its use of syncopation in Hornsby's piano solos, a bright piano sound and an extensive use of synthesizers as background for Hornsby's solos. John Molo's drumbeats were often looped throughout the recorded versions of songs. They are typical double-time beats, which allowed Hornsby and the rest of the band to do more with their solos.
1984–1991 | Bruce Hornsby and the Range |
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1990–1992 | Grateful Dead |
1993–1995 | Solo Albums: Harbor Lights & Hot House |
1996–1998 | Further Festivals & The Other Ones, Solo Album: Spirit Trail |
1998–present | Bruce Hornsby and the Noise Makers |
2007–present | Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby |
2007–present | The Bruce Hornsby Trio (with Christian McBride & Jack DeJohnette) |
Hornsby and the Range's second album, Scenes from the Southside (on which Peter Harris replaced Mansfield), was released in 1988. It included "Look Out Any Window" and "The Valley Road" which many critics noted for their "more spacious" musical arrangements, allowing for "more expressive" piano solos from Hornsby. It also included "Jacob's Ladder", which the Hornsby brothers wrote for musician friend Huey Lewis; Lewis's version became a number one hit from his album Fore!. Scenes offered further slices of "Americana" and "small-town nostalgia", but it was the band's last album to perform well in the singles market.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hornsby worked extensively as a producer and sideman, producing a comeback album Anything Can Happen for Leon Russell. In 1987, Hornsby collaborated with Irish group Clannad, playing and lending vocals to their single "Something to Believe In". Hornsby also appears on the official music video release for the track. In 1989, Hornsby co-wrote and played piano on Don Henley's hit "The End of the Innocence". In 1991, he played piano on Bonnie Raitt's hit "I Can't Make You Love Me". He also appeared on albums by Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Crosby Stills and Nash, Stevie Nicks and Squeeze.
He slowly began to introduce jazz and bluegrass elements into his music, first in live performance settings and later on studio work. In 1989, he first performed at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. He also reworked his hit "The Valley Road" with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for their album Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two. In February 1990, the song won Best Bluegrass Recording at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards.
In May 1990, he released A Night on the Town, on which he teamed up with jazz musicians Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone) and Charlie Haden (double bass) as well as bluegrass pioneer Bela Fleck (banjo). A change in style became apparent as the album was much more rock and guitar driven, making use of Jerry Garcia's guitar work on several tracks, including prominently on the single "Across the River". In concert, Hornsby and the Range began to stretch out their songs, incorporating more and more "freewheeling musical exchanges". Critics praised the album for its production, its political relevance, and Hornsby's gestures toward expanding out of a strictly pop sound by incorporating jazz and bluegrass. Ultimately, though, the core "rock band" sound of the Range limited Hornsby's aspirations, and after a final three-week tour in 1991, Hornsby disbanded the Range to enter a new phase of his career. Drummer John Molo continued to perform regularly with Hornsby for another few years, although other members pursued separate musical endeavors. Following Hornsby's and Molo's involvement with The Other Ones, Molo left Hornsby to become the primary drummer with bass guitarist Phil Lesh and Friends.
Grateful Dead
In 1988, Hornsby first appeared on stage with the Grateful Dead, a recurring collaboration that continued until the band's dissolution. Hornsby was frequently a guest before becoming a regular fixture in the touring lineup for the Grateful Dead a few years later.
From 1988 until Jerry Garcia's death in 1995, Hornsby played more than 100 shows with the Grateful Dead. At some shows in 1988 and 1989, he joined the band as a special guest and played accordion or synthesizer. Following the death of Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland in July 1990, Hornsby played piano (and frequently accordion) at many gigs. Mydland's place was filled in September 1990 by Vince Welnick, who became the sole keyboardist by March 1992, although Hornsby still sat in with the band on occasion.
Hornsby's own music evolved significantly during this time period. Critics have suggested that the Dead's vibrant tradition of melding folk music and the blues with psychedelic rock in "loose-knit expressions" and extended jamming "further pushed outside the confines of mainstream pop". Critics have also commented upon the close musical connection formed between Hornsby and Jerry Garcia, suggesting that Hornsby's particular style of jazz-fueled improvisation added to the band's repertoire and helped to revitalize and refocus Garcia's guitar solos in the band's sound. Hornsby's friendship with Garcia continued, both inside and outside the band, as the two "challenged" each other to expand their musicianship through several other album and live collaborations. Above all, Hornsby's musical versatility and ability to slip in and out of extended freeform jams won over longtime Grateful Dead fans.
Since his first involvement with the Grateful Dead, Hornsby's live shows have drawn Deadheads and Hornsby has commented: "I've always liked the group of fans that we've drawn from the Grateful Dead time, because those fans are often adventurous music listeners". He has performed several of their songs at his concerts and as homages on studio and live albums, while Hornsby originals "The Valley Road" and "Stander on the Mountain" appeared several times in the Dead's setlists. Hornsby also co-performed the improvisation "Silver Apples of the Moon" for the Grateful Dead's Infrared Roses.
Hornsby was the presenter when the Grateful Dead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 2005 he participated in "Comes a Time", a tribute concert to Jerry Garcia. He continues to work with Dead-related projects, such as Bob Weir's Ratdog, Mickey Hart's solo projects. He performed as part of The Other Ones in 1998 and 2000, and on occasion sat in with The Dead. Hornsby continues to be involved in the Grateful Dead and Furthur community. He played at the All Good Music Festival in 2012 with Bob Weir on rhythm guitar. In mid-2013, Hornsby performed with Grateful Dead-influenced bluegrass group Railroad Earth. Hornsby reunited with surviving members of the Grateful Dead along with Trey Anastasio from Phish and Jeff Chimenti at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and later at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, in July 2015.
Solo
Hornsby released his first solo album, Harbor Lights, in 1993. The record showcased him in a more jazz-oriented setting and featured a lineup that included Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis, Jerry Garcia, Phil Collins and Bonnie Raitt. Hornsby secured his third Grammy in 1993 for Best Pop Instrumental for "Barcelona Mona" (composed with Branford Marsalis for the Barcelona Olympics).
In 1995, Hot House was released, its cover art featuring an imagined jam session between bluegrass musician Bill Monroe and jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. Hornsby expanded into the jazz sound from Harbor Lights, this time reintroducing elements of bluegrass from A Night on the Town and his earlier collaborations. "Walk in the Sun" reached number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"To be creative, spontaneous in the moment and make music in the present tense, that's what we're all about live. I write the songs, we make the records and then the records become a departure point, the basic blueprint, the basic arrangement. I'm fairly restless creatively. I was never a very good Top 40 band guy because I never liked to play the same thing every time. Too often songwriters approach their songs like museum pieces. I don't subscribe to that. I think of my songs as living beings that evolve and change and grow through the years." |
—Bruce Hornsby |
During this time period, "even his concerts conveyed a looser, more playful mood, and Hornsby began taking requests from the audience". Hornsby's concerts became "departure points" for his album compositions, which would be blended with and reworked into "lengthy spontaneous medleys". Both in terms of audience requests and in terms of spontaneous on-stage decisions, Hornsby's performances became opportunities for him to challenge himself by trying to "find a way to seamlessly thread these seemingly disparate elements together".
Hornsby next worked with several Grateful Dead reformation projects, including several Furthur Festivals and The Other Ones, which resulted in the release of a live album, The Strange Remain. As part of The Other Ones, Hornsby performed Grateful Dead tunes "Jack Straw" and "Sugaree" (which features Hornsby on lead vocal, in Jerry Garcia's absence), as well as Hornsby-originals "White-Wheeled Limousine" and "Rainbow's Cadillac". Hornsby dropped out of The Other Ones in 2002.
In 1998, three years after Hot House, Hornsby released a double album, Spirit Trail. Featuring a picture of his uncle on the cover, the collection blended instrumental tracks with the story-telling, rock, jazz, and other musical forms Hornsby had delved into over his career. The album considered "very Southern" themes with "songs about race, religion, judgment and tolerance" and "struggles with these issues". An example is "Sneaking Up on Boo Radley", which references the character from Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird.
Throughout the sequence of Harbor Lights, Hot House, and Spirit Trail, Hornsby's piano playing steadily gained further complexity, taking on a more varied array of musical styles and incorporating more difficult techniques, as evidenced by his two-hand-independence on Spirit Trail's "King of the Hill". During this same span of solo album years, Hornsby made several mini-tours playing solo piano gigs for the first time in his career. The shows allowed Hornsby additional possibilities for segueing songs into other songs, often blurring lines between classical compositions, jazz standards, traditional bluegrass, folk, and fiddle tunes, Grateful Dead songs, as well as reworkings of Hornsby originals. Hornsby reflected on these periods of intensive solo performances, stating that the solo tours helped him "recommit to the study of piano" and "take playing to a whole new level", explorations and improvisations that would not be possible in a band setting.
In August 2014, Hornsby released his first entirely live solo album, Solo Concerts.
In April 2019, his 21st album, Absolute Zero, was released. It features collaborations with Justin Vernon and Sean Carey of Bon Iver, Jack DeJohnette, Blake Mills, yMusic, The Staves, and Brad Cook.
The Noisemakers
Hornsby's touring band lineup underwent extensive changes between 1998 and 2000, with longtime drummer John Molo joining former Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh in his band Phil Lesh & Friends. A set of twenty consecutive shows performed by Hornsby and his band at Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland, California included a lot of spontaneity and taking requests from the audience, a form that he continues at live shows to this day. As Hornsby experimented with a different sound, ushering in frequent collaborations with such musicians as Steve Kimock on guitar and Bobby Read on heavily effects-driven electronic woodwinds, a new band, dubbed the Noisemakers, took shape. In 2000, Hornsby chronicled this journey with a compilation live album entitled Here Come the Noise Makers, and did extensive touring with his new band featuring John "J.T." Thomas (keyboards, organ), Bobby Read (saxophones, woodwinds, flute), J.V. Collier (bass), Doug Derryberry (guitar, mandolin), and several different drummers before Sonny Emory took over full-time.
In 2002, Hornsby released Big Swing Face. The album was Hornsby's most experimental effort to date. It was the only album on which Hornsby barely plays any piano and relied heavily on post-electronica beats, drum loops, Pro Tools editing, and dense synthesizer arrangements. Big Swing Face received mixed reviews, ranging from "a new and improved Bruce Hornsby" to being called one of the "strangest records of 2002".
In 2004, after 19 successful years on RCA Records, Hornsby signed with Columbia Records and returned to a more acoustic, piano-driven sound on his Columbia Records debut album, Halcyon Days, released in June 2004. Guests included Sting, Elton John and Eric Clapton.
Throughout tours following the album's release, both with the Noisemakers and in solo performances, Hornsby continued to demonstrate his desire to "grow" as a singer and performer and to expand the instrumental possibilities of the piano in various genres.
In July 2006, Hornsby released a four-CD/DVD box set titled Intersections (1985–2005). The discs are thematically broken into three categories: "Top 90 Time", "Solo Piano, Tribute Records, Country-Bluegrass, Movie Scores", and "By Request (Favorites and Best Songs)". A full third of the music is previously unreleased; many familiar tracks are presented as unreleased live versions rather than the original studio recordings, and the majority of the remaining tracks are from single B-sides, collaborations or tribute albums, and movie soundtracks. One song, "Song H", a new composition, was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental in 2007 at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.
In 2007, Hornsby began more regularly playing classical music: at a concert in St. Louis, Missouri, during Hornsby's improvisational session in "The Way It Is", he began playing J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations along with the drums. In a different city, he played five straight Goldberg Variations over the drum intro of "Gonna Be Some Changes Made".
On September 15, 2009, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers released their fourth album, Levitate to mixed reviews; it included new solo material with several songs co-written with Chip DiMatteo for the Broadway play SCKBSTD.
In May 2011, the band released a live album, Bride of the Noisemakers.
On June 17, 2016, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers released their sixth album and fourth studio album, Rehab Reunion. Hornsby only plays the dulcimer on the album and does not play piano. The album was also Hornsby's first release on 429 Records. Like on many of his previous releases, Rehab Reunion features collaborations with guest artists. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver sings background vocals on "Over the Rise". Mavis Staples duets with Hornsby on "Celestial Railroad". Also noteworthy is a folk version of "The Valley Road", originally a hit in 1988 with Hornsby's first backing band, the Range.
Skaggs & Hornsby/The Bruce Hornsby Trio
In March 2007, Hornsby teamed with bluegrass player Ricky Skaggs to produce a bluegrass album, Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby, followed by a tour. In 2000, the pair had collaborated on "Darlin' Cory", a track on the Big Mon Bill Monroe bluegrass music. Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby, featuring the duo backed by Skaggs's band Kentucky Thunder, combined bluegrass, traditional country music, jazzy piano and a splash of humor on a spectrum of songs from the traditional to new compositions such as the opening track, "The Dreaded Spoon", a humorous tale of a youthful ice cream heist. The pair also reinvented Hornsby's hit "Mandolin Rain" as a minor key acoustic ballad and give his cautionary tale of backwoods violence, "A Night on the Town", a treatment highlighting the "Appalachian storytelling tradition that was always at the song's heart".
The album ended with a cover of Rick James's funk hit "Super Freak" in a bluegrass arrangement. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums list; it was on the charts for 52 weeks. With the album, Hornsby disproved the notion that the piano is not compatible with "string-oriented" bluegrass. The duo released the live album Cluck Ol' Hen in September 2013.
Concurrently with the bluegrass project, Hornsby recorded a jazz album, Camp Meeting with Christian McBride (bass) and Jack DeJohnette (drums). Alongside original compositions by Hornsby, the trio delivered newly reharmonized versions of tunes by John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell, a previously unrecorded Ornette Coleman work ("Questions and Answers") and an early Keith Jarrett composition ("Death and the Flower"). The trio made a series of appearances in the summer of 2007, including the Playboy Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival and at the Hollywood Bowl.
On January 4, 2007, former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart reunited along with Hornsby, Mike Gordon (of Phish and the Rhythm Devils) and Warren Haynes to play two sets, including Dead classics, at a post-inauguration fundraising party for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
Hornsby wrote songs for SCKBSTD, a Broadway Musical; one song from this project, a playful biographical tune about real-estate tycoon Donald Trump titled "The Don of Dons", was played often at Hornsby's solo piano performances in early 2007. In 2009, he composed the score for Spike Lee's ESPN documentary, Kobe Doin' Work, about NBA star Kobe Bryant and his MVP season.
Hornsby invested in Williamsburg area radio station "The Tide" WTYD 92.3 FM. He has endowed the Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music Program at the Frost School of Music of University of Miami. Hornsby played himself in a cameo role in the Robin Williams movie World's Greatest Dad, in which Williams' character is a Bruce Hornsby fan.
Additional collaborations
On July 10, 1990, Hornsby made a guest appearance with the Grateful Dead onstage at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC, playing accordion during portions of the first and second sets. Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland died just over two weeks later, and Hornsby was summoned as a temporary replacement. The Grateful Dead released this concert on YouTube in its entirety on July 10, 2020, the 30th anniversary of the performance.
On October 18, 1991, Hornsby joined Pink Floyd, co-founder Roger Waters on stage at Auditorio de la Cartuja in Seville, Spain. Playing keyboards and singing the choruses of Comfortably Numb.
In 2014, Hornsby toured selected dates with Pat Metheny Unity Group.
In 2016, Hornsby performed on a track, "Black Muddy River", along with indie folk band (and Justin Vernon's former band) DeYarmond Edison on Day of the Dead, a Grateful Dead cover album, benefiting the Red Hot Organization, an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. Hornsby performed the song alongside Vernon that same year in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Hornsby performed alongside Vernon at Coachella in 2017, performing Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me;" the performance also featured Jenny Lewis.
Hornsby has composed and performed for many projects with filmmaker Spike Lee, including end-title songs for two films, Clockers (1995) with Chaka Khan and Bamboozled (2001). He contributed music for If God Is Willing and da Creek Don't Rise (2010), Old Boy (2013) and Chi-Raq (2015), and full film scores for Lee's Kobe Bryant documentary for ESPN: Kobe Doin' Work (2009), Red Hook Summer (2012), Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2015), and Lee's film for the NBA 2K16 video game (2015). He scored Lee's Netflix production She's Gotta Have It (2017, 2019). Hornsby wrote and performed new music for Lee's film BlacKkKlansman (2018). in 1993, Lee directed the video for Hornsby's song "Talk Of The Town".
On July 3, 2023, Bruce appeared with The Doobie Brothers in Portsmouth, Virginia during their extended 50th anniversary tour, where he performed on keyboards and soloed on several songs.
On December 9, 2023, Bruce appeared with Goose in Hampton, Virginia during their Goosemas run, where he performed "The Way It Is" on keyboards.
Equipment
Hornsby uses a Steinway & Sons concert grand piano. With the Range and up until 1995, he used a Baldwin concert grand piano. He currently uses a Korg M1 synthesizer. With the Range, Hornsby used an Oberheim OB-X synthesizer.
Hornsby selected ten Model B Steinway Grands to be featured in its Limited Edition Signature Piano Series, each one personalized with his signature. Hornsby owns three 9 ft (2.7 m) Model D Steinway Grands.
For his 2016 album Rehab Reunion, he played Appalachian dulcimer made by BlueLion.
Personal life
Hornsby and his wife Kathy have twin sons, born 1992: Russell, who ran for the Oregon Ducks track and field team at the University of Oregon, and Keith, who played Division I basketball for the University of North Carolina Asheville Bulldogs from 2011 to 2013, transferred to Louisiana State University and played for LSU from 2014 to 2016. They were named after musicians Leon Russell and Keith Jarrett, respectively.
Hornsby is a regular basketball player and an avid fan of the sport. As such, he can frequently be seen at college basketball games throughout Virginia. Hornsby stated that he beat Allen Iverson in one-on-one basketball three games in a row after helping him get out of jail. He is also a friend of baseball Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa and attends games in St. Louis. Their friendship led to La Russa introducing Hornsby to jazz bassist Christian McBride, which then led to the formation of The Bruce Hornsby Trio (along with drummer Jack DeJohnette) and their first album, Camp Meeting.
Awards and nominations
Discography
Main article: Bruce Hornsby discography- The Way It Is (1986)
- Scenes from the Southside (1988)
- A Night on the Town (1990)
- Harbor Lights (1993)
- Hot House (1995)
- Spirit Trail (1998)
- Here Come the Noisemakers (2000) (live album)
- Big Swing Face (2002)
- Halcyon Days (2004)
- Greatest Radio Hits (2004) (compilation)
- Camp Meeting (2007)
- Levitate (2009)
- Bride of the Noisemakers (2011) (live album)
- Red Hook Summer (2012)
- Solo Concerts (2014) (live album)
- Rehab Reunion (2016)
- Absolute Zero (2019)
- Non-Secure Connection (2020)
- 'Flicted (2022)
References
- "Bruce Hornsby: Movies, TV, and Bio". www.amazon.com.
- "Bobby High Test and the Octane Kids". RealHornsby.com. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- "Bruce Hornsby - Biography & History". AllMusic.
- ^ Mossman, Kate (April 24, 2015). "How Bruce Hornsby survived a hit song". New Statesman.
- "Lois Hornsby's Activism Bears Out Her Motto". The Virginian-Pilot. July 23, 1996.
- "Overview for David Hornsby". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
- Lewis, Sara E. (2009). James City County. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738568508.
- ^ TURNER, MARK F. (October 27, 2009). "Bruce Hornsby: The Master Of Levitation". All About Jazz.
- ZIMMERMAN, LEE (May 13, 2016). "UM Alumnus Bruce Hornsby Remembers His Days as a Hurricane". Miami New Times.
- Goodwich, Dave (November 25, 2019). "BRUCE HORNSBY AT 65- REVISITING THE PIANIST/VOCALIST'S GREATEST COVERS & NON-HIT CLASSICS". Glide.
- ^ "Bobby High Test and the Octane Kids". RealHornsby.com.
- MacKenzie, Bryan (January 24, 2009). "The music keeps playing after a Hornsby's death". The Daily Progress.
- "Robert Saunier Hornsby Obituary". Legacy.com. March 22, 2016.
- ^ Ruhlmann, William. "Bruce Hornsby: Biography". AllMusic.
- Tortorici, Frank (November 23, 1998). "Bruce Hornsby". MTV Networks. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021.
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- "Pollstar Awards Archive - 1987". March 20, 2017. Archived from the original on March 20, 2017. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
External links
- Official website
- Bruuuce.com—Bruce Hornsby fan website
- List of shows played with the Grateful Dead
- Bruce Hornsby at IMDb
- Interview with Bruce Hornsby, TheWaster.com
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- Bruce Hornsby
- 1954 births
- Living people
- 20th-century American keyboardists
- 20th-century American pianists
- 21st-century American keyboardists
- 21st-century American accordionists
- Ambrosia (band) members
- American blues pianists
- American country keyboardists
- American country singer-songwriters
- American jazz pianists
- American male jazz pianists
- American male singer-songwriters
- American pop pianists
- American rock pianists
- Berklee College of Music alumni
- Bluegrass musicians from Virginia
- Bruce Hornsby and the Range members
- Columbia Records artists
- Country musicians from Virginia
- Grammy Award winners
- Jazz musicians from Virginia
- Musicians from Los Angeles
- People from Williamsburg, Virginia
- Singer-songwriters from California
- Singer-songwriters from Virginia
- University of Miami alumni