Bonnie Raphael Bonaparte is a Trinidadian drummer who has performed with artists including Freddie Hubbard, Al Jarreau, Grover Washington, Jr., George Duke, The Jacksons, James Brown, B.B. King, Albert King, ABBA, Natalie Cole, The Bee Gees, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Taylor, and many more.
Band member: 1999 – 2002
Albums:
- Here Come the Noisemakers – drums on End of the Innocence
- Big Swing Face (album) – drums on The Chill, So Out, No Home training
- Halcyon Days (album) – percussion on Circus on the Moon
- The Essential Bruce Hornsby – drums
- Lost and Found on the Spirit Trail
Instruments:
Bonnie Bonaparte biography
Bonnie Bonaparte is a talented percussionist, songwriter, and vocalist from Trinidad and Tobago. He is known for his extensive work in the music industry, performing with a variety of prominent artists and groups.
Musical beginnings
At the tender age of three, Bonaparte was already hitting the back of his mom’s chair, drumming beats. By six, he was touring the Caribbean islands with “The Bonaparte Brothers,” led by his father, Belgrave Bonaparte, a pan pioneer and founding member of the Trinidad All-Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO). At 13, Bonny began performing with The Trinidad Troubadours, an island band led by renowned Guyanese vocalist Tony Ricardo. In 1977, at just 15 years old, he recorded his first album with The Trinidad Troubadours, marking the beginning of his recorded music history.
Notable collaborations
Throughout his career, Bonaparte has collaborated with an impressive lineup of musicians and bands, including the Bee Gees, James Brown, B.T. Express, Natalie Cole, The Commodores, The Jackson 5, KC and the Sunshine Band, The Manhattans, Bob Marley, and Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. His versatility as a drummer has allowed him to contribute to a wide range of musical styles.
Work with Bruce Hornsby and Spyro Gyra
Bonnie toured with Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, recording a live album titled “Here Come the Noise Makers” at the end of the millennium. In 2007, he joined Spyro Gyra, contributing to their album *Good to Go-Go*, where he wrote the third track, “Jam Up” and provided vocals on “Wassup!” featuring long-time collaborator Julio Fernandez on guitar. He also appeared on Spyro Gyra’s 2009 album, “Down the Wire”.
Health challenges
Bonaparte left Spyro Gyra in 2011 due to health problems following a stroke. Despite these challenges, his contributions to the music industry and his collaborations with some of the biggest names in music have left a lasting impact.
Legacy
Today, Bonnie carries his tenacious drumming spirit and passion to stages worldwide, performing with legendary artists across various genres..