2009 Bruce Hornsby

Pianist Bruce Hornsby is considered to be one of the most interesting singer/songwriters to surface in the 80s. Horsby and his band, The Range, received the 'Best New Artist' Grammy Award in 1986 with his widely popular number one hit single 'The Way It Is.' Bruce later released albums Scenes From the Southside and A Night On the Town: both included singles that hit the top of the charts. Hornsby collaborated with legends such as Don Henley, Leon Russell, The Grateful Dead, and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, for which he won the 1989 Grammy for 'Best Bluegrass Recording.'

Hornsby was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, and his music is described as one of the most difficult genres to assign. His major influences were The Band: his lyrics held the same everlasting air of The Band's Robbie Robertson, and his piano solos were much like jazz star Keith Jarret's. Hornsby is thought of as a genuine artist rather than simply a pop star.

RCA picked Hornsby up and his first three albums were credited to 'Bruce Hornsby and the Range.' His band included David Mansfield, who was later replaced by Peter Harris, George Marinelli, Joe Puerta and John Molo. However, the only other person who co-wrote with Hornsby was his brother John because their lyrics worked well together.

Bruce wowed the nation quickly with The Way It Is, which sent three singles into the top 20, including 'The Way it Is,' 'Mandolin Rain,' and 'Every Little Kiss'. Also, Huey Lewis recorded his own version of Hornsby's 'Jacob's Latter,' which went number one in 1987. Hornsby's second album, Scenes From the Southside, hit number five in the charts in 1988, with hits 'Valley Road' and 'Look Out Any Window.' By that time he was collaborating with seemingly everyone in the music business.

Hornsby's last album with the Range, A Night On the Town, was released in the 1990's, but was considered a sales disappointment compared to his other albums. It still, however, racked up one hit single, 'Across The River.' Hornsby was then guest keyboardist for the Grateful Dead in over 100 sets, contributing to at least 40 other albums, touring, and fathering twins. He finally released Hot House in 1993, which had an astronomical cast of Jerry Garcia, Pat Metheny, Bonnie Raitt, Phil Collins and Branford Marsalis. Keeping up with his fans, Hornsby continues to tour all over the nation whenever he gets the chance.