One of Bonnie's earliest musical influences is Patsy Cline. "Patsy's music was way before her time, and is as timeless today as it was when she recorded it," says Bonnie. She has always loved the depth, soul, and raw emotion of this artist. Whether Bonnie is performing for a Country music audience, Pop, Rock 'n Roll, or Jazz, her fans always seem to request a Patsy Cline song.
This video features Bonnie Leigh singing a medely of Patsy Cline songs: Sweet Dreams, Crazy and Walking After Midnight from the Zingers show room. Bonnie's daughter, Paula, is the featured harmony vocalist and has written several of the songs in Bonnie Leigh's album, From the Heart.
While Bonnie Leigh was living in Nashville, her long time friend and musician, Jimmy Carter, introduced her to Bruce Watson who was at that time playing guitar for Dolly Parton. She joined the Gospel Music Association and recorded several songs: Hello Operator, Keep Me From Blowing Away and the Gospel Medely. Later, she met Richard Chisum of Chisum Studios and recorded Fighter and Touch Him. Bonnie has always had a special place in her heart for gospel music and included one or two selections in her shows. Bonnie says, "I just love it when that good old down home gospel music gets the audience up on their feet, singling along, clapping and just enjoying the spirit of the music."
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Growing up, Bonnie has always had a fondness for Blues, Jazz and Dixieland. Performing in various Minstrel shows at an early age, Bonnie heard the sounds of Dixieland and Blues, and Saint Louis Blues was always a favorite of her parents. This performance features Charlie Sacci on the Saxaphone and Gary Versace on the piano, both very talented musicians from her band, FREEDOM.
Bonnie Leigh goes back to Durham for the Durham Fair which is the largest fair in New England after the Big E. Bluegrass music is a big favorite in the New England States, and Bonnie didn't let her audience down. The day was sunny, but very windy, thus a little less clarity than we would have liked in the actual video, but the energy and enthusiasm is felt by the entire crowd.
Bonnie says her home town of Durham has always been very supportive of her musical career. It's a great place to grow up and learn core values. She still tries to get back to Durham every chance she gets to see friends and family.
A beautiful rendition of Bette Midler's very popular song, The Rose, as performed by Bonnie Leigh. Laced with the melodious harmonies of both Paula Turner, her daughter, and Bernie Sorocco, the drummer, this version is a classic ballad. Features Gary Versace on the piano.
