Hornsby grew up listening to all types of music. He studied music at the Berklee College of Music and the University of Miami, graduating in 1977. He spent time in Los Angeles as a session musician and songwriter, before moving back to Virginia.
Range years
In 1984 he formed Bruce Hornsby and the Range, who were signed to RCA Records in 1985. Besides Hornsby, Range members were David Mansfield (guitar, mandolin, violin), George Marinelli (guitars and backing vocals), Joe Puerta (bass guitar and backing vocals), and John Molo (drums). Hornsby's recording career started with the biggest hit he would ever have.
With a propulsive yet contemplative piano riff and the refrain, ''That's just the way it is, some things will never change'', the song was both catchy and reflective of the American Civil Rights movement, and it topped the American music charts in 1986. In years to come, the song would be sampled by at least six rap artists, including Tupac Shakur and Mase. It is also introductory music to Sean Hannity's popular talk radio program.With the success of the single worldwide, the album of the same name went multi-platinum and produced another top five hit with "Mandolin Rain" (co-written, as many of Hornsby's songs were, with his brother John). "Every Little Kiss" also did respectably well. Other tracks on the album helped establish what some labeled the "Virginia sound", a mixture of rock, jazz, and bluegrass with an observational Southern feel. Hornsby and the Range would go on to win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987.The wave of fame continued to roll with Hornsby and the Range's second album, ''Scenes From The Southside'' (on which Peter Harris replaced Mansfield). Released in 1988, it featured such hits as "Look Out Any Window" and "The Valley Road". The song "Jacob's Ladder" was featured as well, having originally been written by Hornsby for musician friend Huey Lewis. Lewis' version became a number one hit from his album ''Fore!''. ''Scenes'' was successful in its own right and it would also be the last to perform so well in the singles market. In 1988, Hornsby first appeared on stage with The Grateful Dead. This collaboration would continue on an irregular basis until the Dead ended in 1995; in all he made over 100 appearances with them. In 1989 Hornsby co-wrote and played piano on Don Henley's big hit "The End of the Innocence". In 1991 Hornsby played piano on Bonnie Raitt's popular hit "I Can't Make You Love Me". Hornsby would feature both these songs in his own concerts.''A Night On The Town'' was released in 1990. A change in style became apparent as the album was much more guitar driven, while the others were centered around Hornsby at the piano. After the album, the Range broke up with each member pursuing respective musical careers.
Solo years
- ''The Way It Is'' (1986) #3 US
- ''Scenes From The Southside'' (1988) #5 US
- ''A Night On The Town'' (1990) #20 US
- ''Harbor Lights'' (1993) #46 US
- ''Hot House'' (1995) #68 US
- ''Spirit Trail'' (1998) #148 US
- ''Here Come The Noise Makers'' (2000) #167 US
- ''Big Swing Face'' (2002)
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Hornsby, Bruce
Hornsby, Bruce
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