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Karla Bonoff

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Karla Bonoff
Karla Bonoff in 2010, after a show at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City, MO
Karla Bonoff in 2010,
after a show at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City, MO
Background information
Birth nameKarla Bonoff
Born (1951-12-27) December 27, 1951 (age 72)
OriginSanta Monica, California, U.S.
GenresFolk rock, soft rock, pop rock
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, guitar
Websitewww.karlabonoff.com

Karla Bonoff (born December 27, 1951)[1] is an American singer-songwriter. While Bonoff has released a number of albums, she is primarily known for her songwriting. Bonoff's songs include "Home," covered by Bonnie Raitt, "Tell Me Why" by Wynonna Judd, and "Isn't It Always Love" by Lynn Anderson.

Linda Ronstadt recorded several Bonoff songs, including three on the 1976 album Hasten Down the Wind ("Someone To Lay Down Beside Me", "Lose Again" and "If He's Ever Near"), and "All My Life", a 1989 duet with Ronstadt and Aaron Neville.

Life and career

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Bonoff was born to Chester and Shirley (née Kahane) Bonoff, and named after her paternal grandfather, Karl Bonoff. Her family was Jewish, with ancestors from Russia, Hungary, Austria and Germany.

In her early career, Bonoff sang background vocals for Ronstadt and Wendy Waldman before releasing her debut album in 1977, titled Karla Bonoff. Her other albums include Restless Nights (1979), Wild Heart of the Young (1982), New World (1988) and All My Life (a greatest hits collection) in 1999. Bonoff is best known as a songwriter, but she is also noted for her hit recording of "Personally", which became a No. 19 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as No. 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the middle of 1982. She recorded "Somebody's Eyes" for the Footloose (1984) soundtrack and "Standing Right Next To Me" on the 8 Seconds (1994) soundtrack. Her version of the carol "The First Noel" has gotten significant airplay on Christmas radio formats in the US.[2]

Bonoff's first live album was released in 2007, including songs performed live in 2004, in Santa Barbara, California. She was backed by her touring band, which included the late Kenny Edwards (guitar, bass, mandolin, cello, vocals) and Nina Gerber (guitar) plus long-time associate Scott Babcock (drums and vocals).

Bonoff was a member of the group Bryndle, which included Wendy Waldman and Kenny Edwards (who also produced Bonoff's first three albums) and Andrew Gold (until he left in 1996). The group first formed in the late 1960s, but did not release any albums until 20 years later with two studio albums and a live album between 1995 and 2002. Bonoff also appeared on the Keiko Matsui album titled 'Sapphire'. She continues to tour throughout the US and Japan.

Discography

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Studio albums

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Bonoff performing in 2010

with Bryndle

Live albums

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  • Live (2007)

Compilations

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  • Premium Best (1988) [Japan Only]
  • The Best of Karla Bonoff (1992) [Mail Order; Japan Only]
  • All My Life: The Best of Karla Bonoff (1999)

Singles

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Year Song US Hot 100 US Adult Contemporary Album
1978 "I Can't Hold On" 76 - Karla Bonoff
1978 "Isn't It Always Love" - - Karla Bonoff
1978 "Someone To Lay Down Beside Me" - - Karla Bonoff
1979 "When You Walk in the Room" 101 - Restless Nights
1980 "Baby Don't Go" 69 35 Restless Nights
1982 "Personally" 19 3 Wild Heart of the Young
1982 "Please Be the One" 63 22 Wild Heart of the Young
1984 "Somebody's Eyes" 109 16 Footloose soundtrack
1994 "Standing Right Next to Me" - 38 8 Seconds soundtrack

References

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  1. ^ Bryndle website Archived 2011-07-08 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Dudek, Duane (December 19, 2011). "Are your faves among top 100 most played holiday songs?". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  3. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 42. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  4. ^ "Billboard 200, November 20, 1982". Billboard. #198. February 25, 2017.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
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