Bonnie Bishop grew up in suburban Houston, Texas, the daughter of native Texans who raised her to love any music with soul, including artists such as Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger and James Taylor. She trained in opera throughout high school and into college, but graduated from UT Austin with a degree in sociology and a plan to somehow make a living playing music her own way. With her influences ranging from classic rock to Motown, it was a rocky road to developing her own sound, but Bonnie began making her way across the state, playing her original tunes for anyone who would listen and anywhere that she was able to get booked.

In the short time that the Bonnie Bishop Band has been together, they have shared bills and stages with artists such as Jack Ingram, Randy Rogers, Radney Foster and Ray Wylie Hubbard, and frequented top venues in the state including Billy Bob’s Texas, Midnight Rodeo and the Mucky Duck in Houston. The diversity of Bonnie’s songwriting enables her to play venues from dancehalls to rock rooms to dinner theaters, but it is the sheer power of her vocals complimented by the rich dynamics and harmonies of her band that has earned her the most respect in the music community.

The music ranges in style from blues and rock to more rootsy country, and Bonnie can wail in true Janis Joplin fashion just as effectively as she can deliver a ballad with heartache and sensitivity. The band in turn reflects its lead singer’s versatility, easily transitioning from the powerful percussion-driven numbers to songs with a more ethereal sound, with only guitar acting as the lead instrument.

Bonnie is one of a very few female artists to succeed and be so widely accepted by both artists and fans in the market, which most promoters and club owners would attribute to the fact that her full-band show is just as energetic and “rockin’” as any other band. In addition to band shows, Bonnie and guitarist Rob Albertson truly shine in their acoustic show as well, where the stripped down setting allows the audience to better appreciate the dynamics of her voice.

Information from the band's site

Musicians

• Bonnie Bishop: lead vocals, vocals
• Allison Branch: bass, vocals
• Greg Whitfield: guitar, vocals
• Bruce Alford: drums
• Rob Albertson: banjo, guitar, mandolin

Influences

Bob Seger, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Etta James, James Taylor, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Patty Griffin, Paul Thorn, Walt Wilkins, Townes Van Zandt

Albums

Favorited by these users:

Beth_McCabe, TXShoeGal, robinharrel

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