Did You Know...

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.