Bonnie Bramlett

Last updated

Bonnie Bramlett
Bonnie Bramlett (7314671558).jpg
Bramlett at the 2012 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Background information
Birth nameBonnie Lynn O'Farrell
Also known asBonnie Sheridan
Born (1944-11-08) November 8, 1944 (age 79)
Granite City, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation(s)Singer
Years active1965–present
Website bonniebramlett.com

Bonnie Bramlett (born Bonnie Lynn O'Farrell, November 8, 1944) is an American singer and occasional actress known for performing with her husband, Delaney Bramlett, as Delaney & Bonnie. She continues to sing as a solo artist.

Contents

Life and career

Early life

Bonnie O'Farrell was born in Granite City, Illinois, the daughter of a steelworker. When she was young her parents divorced and remarried other spouses. [1] She was raised with an extended family that included four half-and step-siblings. [2] She began singing as a child. When she was five years old, she sang "Beautiful Golden Harbor" at the family church in Granite City. [1] Bonnie started her musical career at the age of fifteen singing around St. Louis. She performed as a backup singer for blues musicians such as Albert King and Little Milton, and R&B singer Fontella Bass. [1]

Bonnie was inspired by Tina Turner to pursue a singing career. In her teens, she saw Ike & Tina Turner perform at a club in nearby East St. Louis. [2] Bonnie became the first white Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. [3] She filled in for Ikette Jessie Smith who had briefly quit after her boyfriend, Sam Rhodes, a bassist in the Kings of Rhythm was fired. Bramlett recalled: "Jessie left when Sam left and they needed an Ikette. I was there so I went with them. For three days. I was 17 and I was white and my mother wouldn't let me stay any longer than that. I could only help them out, she said. So I just put on a dark wig because I'm blonde and Man Tan because I'm white and helped them out." [1]

Delaney & Bonnie

Delaney & Bonnie in 1970, during the making of their album To Bonnie from Delaney Delaney & Bonnie.png
Delaney & Bonnie in 1970, during the making of their album To Bonnie from Delaney

Eventually Bramlett moved to Los Angeles to escape abuse by her father and stepfather. [4] In 1967, she met musician Delaney Bramlett (1939–2008), performing at the opening of a bowling alley with the "Shindogs", the house band of the television show Shindig! . They were married a week later. [2] The duo signed with Stax Records and became known as Delaney & Bonnie. They soon toured Europe with the British rock guitarist Eric Clapton. With frequent drop-in performances by other noted musicians like Duane Allman, George Harrison, and Dave Mason, the group became known as Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. Their album On Tour with Eric Clapton (1970) reached #29 on the Billboard 200. [5] Between 1970 and 1972, the duo had seven songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100, including their best-known single "Never Ending Song of Love" which peaked at #13 and a cover of Dave Mason's "Only You Know and I Know" which peaked at #20. [5]

With Leon Russell, Delaney and Bonnie co-wrote "Superstar", popularized by the Carpenters, and with Eric Clapton Bonnie wrote the classic "Let It Rain", [6] which is included on Clapton's eponymous first album. The song '"Superstar'" was originally written by Bonnie Bramlett and Rita Coolidge as detailed in the autobiography 'Delta Lady' by Rita Coolidge and Michael Walker. Eric Clapton added some embellishments to the music.[ citation needed ]

In 1969, The Rolling Stones originally asked Bonnie to sing a duet with Mick Jagger on their song "Gimme Shelter", but Delaney refused to let her perform with the Stones. [7] The Stones then asked soul and gospel singer Merry Clayton to sing on the track. It remains the most prominent contribution to a Rolling Stones track by a female vocalist. [8] According to Bonnie, just before a concert tour in 1970, the duo's band abruptly quit. [2] However, Delaney claims it was Bonnie who didn't show up for the tour. [4]

Bonnie and Delaney Bramlett had small roles in the 1971 film Vanishing Point and in 1974's Catch My Soul .

Their last album together, D&B Together (1972) released #133 on the Billboard 200. [5] Delaney and Bonnie disbanded, both musically and maritally, in 1972. Bonnie Bramlett continued her career as a solo songwriter and recording artist.

Solo career

She released her first solo album Sweet Bonnie Bramlett in 1973, recorded with the Average White Band whose name she initially proposed. That album presaged the Disco movement, particularly with the track Crazy 'Bout My Baby played heavily in underground dance clubs like the Gallery in New York. The song is featured on Nicky Siano's Legendary The Gallery on Soul Jazz Records. Her second album It's Time peaked at #168 on the Billboard 200 in 1975. [9]

In 1973/74, Bramlett toured the United States and Canada, with her band, 'The Entertainers', promoting her new album and herself as a single artist. That musical entourage featured: Michael 'Papabax' Baxter on the keyboards; Little Moe Mosely on drums; Doc Schwebke on bass; Michael Elliot, Donnie Dacus, and Phillip John Diaz on guitars; Larry Williams, Jimmy Reed and Big John Rayford on saxophones; background singers; Carolyn (Brandt) Corlew, Lagatha (Smallwood) Wharton, and Lea Santos..and Bandleader, Gabe Flemings on trumpet.

Bramlett continued to contribute vocals to recordings by other artists, including Little Feat and the Allman Brothers Band.

In 1979, Bramlett travelled to Havana, Cuba, to participate in the historic Havana Jam festival, alongside Stephen Stills, the CBS Jazz All-Stars, the Trio of Doom, Fania All-Stars, Billy Swan, Weather Report, Mike Finnegan, Kris Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge and Billy Joel, plus an array of Cuban artists such as Irakere, Pacho Alonso, Tata Güines and Orquesta Aragón. Her performance appears in Havana Jam '79 a documentary film by Ernesto Juan Castellanos.

While on tour with Stills in 1979, Bramlett punched Elvis Costello in the face at a hotel bar in Columbus, Ohio, after Costello referred to James Brown as a "jive-ass nigger" and Ray Charles a "blind, ignorant nigger." [10] [11] Costello apologized at a press conference in New York City a few days later, stating he had been drunk and had been trying to be obnoxious in order to bring the conversation to a swift conclusion. According to Costello, "it became necessary for me to outrage these people with about the most obnoxious and offensive remarks that I could muster." [12]

Bramlett guest-starred in an episode of Fame in 1986. [4]

The Bandaloo Doctors and Roseanne

After exploring gospel music in the 1980s, Bramlett married Danny Sheridan in 1988 and she changed her professional name to Bonnie Sheridan. [4] He became her manager and produced her next recordings. She fronted their group the Bandaloo Doctors, [4] with their self-proclaimed "revolutionary hard rockin' blues." The group's music attracted the admiration of many Hollywood celebrities. In 1990, Bonnie met Roseanne Barr at a rehab program fund-raiser, and she was soon cast as a semi-regular on the hit ABC series Roseanne . [2] Bonnie Bramlett (credited as Bonnie Sheridan) played a co-worker and friend (named Bonnie) of Roseanne Barr's character Roseanne Conner, with Danny Sheridan occasionally writing music and appearing as the character Hank the bass player.

In 1992, the Bandaloo Doctors toured as the opening act for Ringo Starr. [4]

Later years

Bonnie was cast in the 1991 movie The Doors , playing a bartender. She also appeared in the Andrew Davis film The Guardian (2006), starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher.

In 2002, Bramlett returned to her musical roots, releasing the album I'm Still the Same. In 2006, she was a backup vocalist for the Southern rock artist Shooter Jennings on his album Electric Rodeo . She declined to accompany him on his ensuing tour. Bramlett later sang "Proud Mary" on the 2009 tribute album for Ike Turner titled Rocket 88: Tribute to Ike Turner. [13]

Personal life

Marriage and children

In 1967, Bramlett met Delaney Bramlett during a gig performing at the opening of a bowling alley. They were married a week later. [2] Their first daughter, Rebekka, who is now also a singer, was born in 1968. Their marriage was marred by violence due to their cocaine addictions. [4] Bonnie Bramlett told People that they had an abusive relationship: "We fought a lot—heavy-duty physical stuff. It wasn't nice to be around, and I'm sure it wasn't fun to watch." [2] In 1972, she divorced Delaney, leaving him and his mother with her own daughters, Suzanne and Rebekka, and the two daughters Delaney had brought to the marriage, Michelle and Mikkol. [2]

Bramlett later rebuilt her relationship with her daughters. Rebekka became a singer, professionally known as Bekka Bramlett. She joined Fleetwood Mac in 1993 after the departure of Stevie Nicks, and appeared on their album Time.

Bramlett began dating musician Danny Sheridan in 1983. They were married in 1988, [4] but later divorced. She credited Danny Sheridan for saving her from her addictions and her friend Roseanne Barr for giving her work on her show. [2]

Drug addiction

Bramlett began using cocaine during her marriage to Delaney. After their marriage ended, Bramlett suffered from depression. While visiting her friend Gregg Allman's farmland in Juliette, Georgia, she planned to commit suicide by shooting herself with a shotgun in December 1976. Instead, she thought about her children, shot the gun up in the air, and then called the hospital. [2] She continued to struggle with her addictions to cocaine, pills, and alcohol throughout the decade. In 1982, she underwent more hospital treatment that proved unsuccessful. Eventually, with the help of Danny Sheridan, she joined a 12-step recovery program. [4]

Discography

Delaney & Bonnie

Bonnie Bramlett

Vocal credits

Instrumental & performance credits

Filmography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek and the Dominos</span> British–American blues-rock band

Derek and the Dominos was a short-lived English–American blues rock band formed in the spring of 1970 by guitarist and singer Eric Clapton, keyboardist and singer Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle and drummer Jim Gordon. All four members had previously played together in Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, during and after Clapton's brief tenure with Blind Faith. Dave Mason supplied additional lead guitar on early studio sessions and played at their first live gig. Another participant at their first session as a band was George Harrison, the recording for whose album All Things Must Pass marked the formation of Derek and the Dominos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rita Coolidge</span> American singer (born 1945)

Rita Coolidge is an American recording artist. During the 1970s and 1980s, her songs were on Billboard magazine's pop, country, adult contemporary, and jazz charts, and she won two Grammy Awards with fellow musician and then-husband Kris Kristofferson. Her recordings include "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," "We're All Alone", "I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love", and the theme song for the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy: "All Time High".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Gordon (musician)</span> American musician, session drummer, and songwriter (1945–2023)

James Beck Gordon was an American musician, songwriter, and convicted murderer. Gordon was a session drummer in the late 1960s and 1970s and was the drummer in the blues rock supergroup Derek and the Dominos.

<i>Eric Clapton</i> (album) 1970 studio album by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is the debut solo studio album by English rock musician Eric Clapton, released in August 1970 by Atco and Polydor Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delaney & Bonnie</span> American husband and wife music duo

Delaney & Bonnie were an American duo of singer-songwriters Delaney Bramlett and Bonnie Bramlett. In 1969 and 1970, they fronted a rock/soul ensemble, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, whose members at different times included Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Leon Russell, Bobby Whitlock, Dave Mason, Steve Howe, Rita Coolidge, and King Curtis.

Venetta Lee Fields is an American-born Australian singer and musical theater actress, and vocal coach.

<i>On Tour with Eric Clapton</i> 1970 live album by Delaney & Bonnie & Friends

On Tour with Eric Clapton is a 1970 album by Delaney & Bonnie with Eric Clapton, recorded live at the Fairfield Halls, England. Released on Atco Records, it peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 in April 1970, at No. 39 on the UK Albums Chart, and was certified a gold record by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Sheridan</span> American songwriter

Danny Sheridan was an American musician, songwriter, producer, actor, and entertainment manager. In 2006 he also became a radio personality on 97.1 KLSX Free FM. He is credited as an influential electric bass player, and as the founder of the Eli Radish Band, pioneers of the so-called outlaw country music genre. This is a style that Sheridan's former band-mate/vocalist David Allan Coe continues to perform today, with a string of hit songs like "Would You Lay with Me " and the anti-boss tune, "Take This Job And Shove It". Still in his teens, Sheridan's Eli Radish toured with such notable acts as The Who and The Doors. The lyrics of Coe's "Longhaired Redneck" forever memorialized the concerts he performed with Sheridan while fronting the Eli Radish Band. In 2014 Sheridan began managing Coe and co-produced his new CD "Just As I Am", with Boris Menart.

Claudia Lennear is an American soul singer and educator. Lennear began her performing with the Superbs before becoming an Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. She was also a background vocalist for various acts, including Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, and Freddie King. She released her only solo album in 1973. Lennear was featured in the 2013 Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. She was inducted in the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2019.

"Superstar" is a 1969 song written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, with a songwriting credit also given to Delaney Bramlett, that has been a hit for many artists in different genres in the years since. The best-known versions are by the Carpenters in 1971, and by Luther Vandross in 1983.

<i>D&B Together</i> 1972 studio album by Delaney & Bonnie and Friends

D&B Together is the sixth album by Delaney & Bonnie and Friends and their first for Columbia Records. It was their last album of new material, as Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett would divorce soon after its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Ikettes</span> American backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue

The Ikettes, originally The Artettes, were a trio of female backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Despite their origins, the Ikettes became successful artists in their own right. In the 1960s they had hits such as "I'm Blue " and "Peaches 'N' Cream". In 2017, Billboard ranked "I'm Blue " No. 63 on its list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.

<i>The Original Delaney & Bonnie & Friends</i> 1969 studio album by Delaney & Bonnie

The Original Delaney & Bonnie, also known by its subtitle Accept No Substitute, is the second studio album by American recording duo Delaney & Bonnie. It was recorded with many of the "friends" that would form the core of their best-known 1969–70 touring band, including Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle and Rita Coolidge.

<i>The Best of Delaney & Bonnie</i> 1972 compilation album by Delaney & Bonnie and Friends

The Best of Delaney & Bonnie is a compilation album of music recorded by Delaney & Bonnie and Friends during the years 1969-71.

<i>Eric Clapton at His Best</i> 1972 greatest hits album by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton at His Best is a two-LP compilation of Eric Clapton's work after he left his earlier band Cream, released in September 1972. It was concurrently released with a two-LP compilation of Cream tracks, Heavy Cream, along with "at His Best" solo retrospectives by Cream's other members Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delaney Bramlett</span> American musician (1939–2008)

Delaine Alvin "Delaney" Bramlett was an American singer and guitarist. He was best known for his musical partnership with his wife Bonnie Bramlett in the band Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, which included a wide variety of other musicians, many of whom were successful in other contexts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kathi McDonald</span> American blues and rock singer and songwriter (1948-2012)

Kathryn Marie "Kathi" McDonald was an American blues and rock singer and songwriter. As a teenager she sang with different bands around the Pacific Northwest before she was discovered by Ike Turner. She sang as an Ikette with Ike & Tina Turner and eventually replaced Janis Joplin as the front woman of Big Brother and Holding Company. McDonald became a background vocalist for various artists, including Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, The Rolling Stones, Freddie King, and Long John Baldry. She also recorded as a solo artist and fronted her own band Kathi McDonald & Friends.

<i>Clapton</i> (1973 album) 1973 compilation album by Eric Clapton

Clapton is a 1973 compilation album of Eric Clapton's early solo work. It was the second of two such compilations that Polydor Records would issue; the first, Eric Clapton at His Best, was released in late 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let It Rain (Eric Clapton song)</span> 1972 single by Eric Clapton

"Let It Rain" is a song and single written and released by the British rock musician Eric Clapton and Bonnie Bramlett; it appears on his 1970 debut studio album Eric Clapton. In 1972 it was released as a single as part of the promotion for his compilation album Eric Clapton at His Best

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxayn Lewis</span> American singer

Maxayn Lewis is an American soul singer, musician, songwriter, and producer. She began her career in the 1960s, under her birth name Paulette Parker, as member of the Ikettes in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. In the 1970s, Lewis sang lead in the band Maxayn with her then-husband Andre Lewis. She was described as "a cross between Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack." The group eventually morphed to Mandré.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Hopkins, Jerry (May 31, 1969). "Interview: Delaney & Bonnie". Rolling Stone.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Dougherty, Steve (April 13, 1992). "A '70s Burnout Lights Up Roseanne". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  3. ↑ Zibart, Eve (1978). "Bonnie Bramlett Belts Them Out at Cellar Door". Washington Post, May 11, 1978. p. C7.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Harris, Cassi (March 14, 1993). "NEW START". Chicago Tribune.
  5. 1 2 3 "Delaney & Bonnie Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 10, 2019.
  6. ↑ Greenwald, Matthew. "Let It Rain". Allmusic. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  7. ↑ Paytress, Mark (2003). The Rolling Stones: Off the Record. Omnibus Press. p. 181. ISBN   978-0-7119-8869-9.
  8. ↑ Unterberger, Richie. "Gimme Shelter". allmusic.com (2007). Accessed May 20, 2007.
  9. ↑ "Top LPs & Tape" (PDF). Billboard. March 15, 1975. p. 88.
  10. ↑ Zibart, Eve (1979). "Pop Notes". The Washington Post, March 31, 1979. p. B7.
  11. ↑ Neister, Alan (1979). "Finale '79 Shocks, Rocks, and Giant Tomatoes". Globe and Mail (Canada), December 29, 1979.
  12. ↑ Wawzenek, Bryan. "That Time Elvis Costello Incited a Brawl With Racist Remarks". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Rocket 88: Tribute to Ike Turner – Mr. Groove Band | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
  14. ↑ "Top LPs & Tape" (PDF). Billboard. March 15, 1975. p. 88.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.