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Bruce Hornsby

Bruce Hornsby was born on November 23, 1954, in Richmond, Virginia, to Robert Stanley Hornsby, an attorney and part-time musician, and Lois Saunier, a piano player and church community liaison. His musical lineage can be traced back to his grandfather, Pierre Paul Saunier, who was a respected organist in Richmond and head of music for the city schools.

Band member: 1984 –

Albums

Bruce Hornsby wiki
Bruce Randall Hornsby

Instruments

Bruce Hornsby bio

Early life and family background

Bruce Randall Hornsby’s early life was filled with music. He took piano lessons at age seven and formed his first band in sixth grade. However, his early passion was sports, and he played basketball throughout high school, even being recruited to play for Division Two basketball at Randolph-Macon College. Music took a more prominent role in his life when his older brother, Bobby, introduced him to albums like Mad Dogs and Englishmen by Joe Cocker and Tumbleweed Connection by Elton John.

Musical education and early bands

Hornsby attended the University of Richmond for a year before transferring to the Berklee College of Music and later to the University of Miami, where he graduated in 1977 with a degree in jazz piano. After college, he returned to Virginia and started the Bruce Hornsby Band, which played local venues and developed a loyal following.

In 1980, Hornsby moved to Los Angeles with his bandmates, including longtime collaborator John Molo, and secured a job as a staff songwriter for 20th Century Fox. He also worked as a session musician and briefly joined the band Ambrosia, performing on their last album and touring with Sheena Easton as her musical director and keyboard player between 1983 and 1985.

The formation of Bruce Hornsby and the Range

In 1984, Bruce formed the band Bruce Hornsby and the Range, which included David Mansfield, George Marinelli, Joe Puerta, and John Molo. Their debut album, The Way It Is (1986), was a major success, with the title track reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song addressed social issues such as homelessness and institutional racism, and its piano-driven sound became iconic. Other hits from the album included “Mandolin Rain” and “Every Little Kiss.”

The band’s follow-up album, Scenes from the Southside (1988), continued their success with songs like “The Valley Road” and “Look Out Any Window,” both of which showcased Hornsby’s growing interest in jazz and bluegrass.

Collaborations and solo work

Bruce Hornsby’s career is marked by numerous collaborations with major artists. In 1989, he co-wrote Don Henley’s hit “The End of the Innocence” and played piano on Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” He also worked with artists like Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, and Squeeze, and his involvement with the Grateful Dead from 1990 to 1992 cemented his reputation as a versatile musician.

In 1993, Bruce released his first solo album, Harbor Lights, which featured collaborations with Pat Metheny, Jerry Garcia, and Branford Marsalis. This album marked a shift toward a more jazz-oriented sound. His 1995 album Hot House further expanded on this, blending jazz, bluegrass, and rock.

Bruce Hornsby and The Grateful Dead

After originally being in a Grateful Dead cover band with his brother, Bruce’s relationship with the Grateful Dead began in the late 1980s when the Range would open for the Dead. Soon after, he would sit in with them, and played over 100 dates as a full-time member between September 1990 and March 1992. Bruce has cited the band as an inspiration for his improvisatory approach to live performances.

The Noisemakers and further experimentation

By 1998, Bruce had formed a new touring band, the Noisemakers, and released the double album Spirit Trail. His concerts became known for their spontaneity, blending jazz, rock, classical music, and more into extended medleys. His 2002 album Big Swing Face was his most experimental, featuring electronic beats and dense synthesizer arrangements.

After signing with Columbia Records in 2004, Bruce returned to a more acoustic, piano-driven sound with Halcyon Days, which featured guest appearances by Sting, Elton John, and Eric Clapton. His live performances continued to evolve, with frequent audience requests and impromptu musical decisions becoming a hallmark of his shows.

Bluegrass and jazz projects

In 2007, Bruce Hornsby teamed up with bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs to release Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart. Their collaboration continued with a live album, Cluck Ol’ Hen, in 2013. Bruce also explored jazz with the album Camp Meeting, recorded with Christian McBride and Jack DeJohnette.

Later years and continued success

Bruce’s later career has seen him continue to push musical boundaries. His 2014 album Solo Concerts showcased his mastery of the piano and improvisational skill, while his 21st album, Absolute Zero (2019), featured collaborations with Justin Vernon, Blake Mills, and The Staves.

His involvement with Spike Lee as a composer for several films, including BlacKkKlansman, has added another dimension to his career. Hornsby also remains active in the Grateful Dead community, performing with Dead-related projects and at tribute concerts.

Flicted and Deep Sea Vents

Bruce Hornsby’s 23rd record, ‘Flicted, was released in May 2022, completing the trilogy of albums begun with Absolute Zero. Featuring special guests like Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend), Danielle Haim (Haim), Blake Mills, and yMusic, the album received critical acclaim from publications such as The New York Times, Sunday Times (UK), Uncut, and Pitchfork.

In March 2024, Bruce collaborated with the New York City chamber ensemble yMusic to release their first album together, Deep Sea Vents. Under the moniker “BrhyM,” they wrote ten new songs during the pandemic. Featuring special guests Branford Marsalis and Chad Wright, Deep Sea Vents became Bruce Hornsby and yMusic’s first Billboard album chart-topper, reaching number one on the Classical Crossover list.

Personal life

Bruce and his wife Kathy have twin sons, Russell and Keith, both of whom were named after musicians Leon Russell and Keith Jarrett. He is also an avid basketball player and a fan of the sport, frequently attending games in Virginia. He has continued to support the creative arts through initiatives like the Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music Program at the University of Miami.

Legacy

Bruce Hornsby has built a diverse and adventurous career, constantly evolving as a musician while staying true to his roots. With a catalog that spans multiple genres and collaborations with a wide range of artists, he remains a unique and influential figure in contemporary music. His ability to blend popular appeal with deep musical exploration has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim across the decades.

Bruce Hornsby external links

Also Bruce’s Wikipedia biography is a lengthy documentation of his career so far: Wikipedia entry

Website: www.brucehornsby.com