by Elisa Zuckerberg, founder of HearItThere.com
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Karla Bonoff, took time this week to speak with me and George Mallas, host of The Songwriters’ Block before embarking on an east cost tour. She will be performing at the Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon this Sunday, November 13 at 7:00 pm.
Karla Bonoff – 1987
If you’re not familiar with Karla Bonoff’s name, you certainly will be familiar with her songs. She has been described as one of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation and has enjoyed critical acclaim, commercial success, and enduring popularity. Her songs have become hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, and Linda Ronstadt including “Home,” covered by Raitt and “Tell Me Why” by Wynonna. “All My Life,” a duet with Ronstadt and Aaron Neville won them a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1991.
Born and raised in Southern California, Karla Bonoff started writing music at age 15. In the 60s her desire to be a songwriter was inspired by the artists she went to see at the legendary Troubadour. At the time there were singer-songwriters and musicians performing at the venue who were creating unique sounds. This included James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Elton John, all who are considered groundbreaking artists.
While Bonoff has released a number of studio albums, she is primarily known for her songwriting. Since 1977 she released six solo albums, two with Bryndle (an American folk/rock band which included Wendy Waldman & Kenny Edwards), plus three compilation albums.
In 1982, Bonoff had a hit with the song, “Personally,” which charted at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as #3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
In 2019, Bonoff released her first new album in over a decade, “Carry Me Home,” a 16-song set featuring brand new recordings of Karla’s classics along with new songs by Karla, Kenny Edwards, and a cover of a vintage Jackson Browne tune, “Something Fine.” In 2020, she released her first holiday album called, “Silent Night.”
Fans and critics agree that Bonoff’s songs are timeless as are her recordings.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
George Mallas and I had the pleasure to talk with Karla this week about her upcoming show at the Towne Crier. George Mallas, who is also songwriter and long time fan of Karla Bonoff, asked insightful questions about the Troubadour days, her writing process and long and successful history in the music business. What I found most fascinating about the interview was their description of well written songs as “gifts.”
Most importantly, they talked about what to expect at the show at Sunday’s show. We should expect a “trip down memory lane,” she said. Karla will be sharing stories and performing songs from all of her albums, tying her long songwriting history together for the Towne Crier audience.
Have a listen and enjoy the interview!
“Long before Alanis and Jewel, there was a breed of singer/songwriters whose earthly anthems of soul-searching, heartache and joy touched souls in a way few can muster today.” – Billboard Magazine
On Sunday, November 13 Karla Bonoff will be performing at Towne Crier in Beacon. She’ll be accompanied by Nina Gerber on guitar. Tickets available at The Towne Crier website, townecrier.com
Her Home for the Holidays tour with Livingston Taylor starts Dec. 4.
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/KarlaBonoffMusic
Website: https://www.karlabonoff.com
Night Full of Rain Video: https://youtu.be/chk79aEFtbI
The Water is Wide Live Video: https://youtu.be/MHOCi74Wz0M
All My Life Live Video: https://youtu.be/Zl3e11SOmxM
