Paul Bonn

Besides the Paul Bonn band, Bonn's voice has fronted the likes of
Shakey Ground, Los Carnales and The Bar Room Troubadours!

With his gritty and soulful voice, you wouldn't think his journey started in 1964 behind a drum kit, but that (combined with his passion for The Beatles) actually endeared him to a regional band named The Ash. There, he drummed with guys already receiving airplay on rock & roll powerhouse K-SHE 95. But alas, where did he catch the blues?

Bonn's love for The Beatles was step one. Anyone who's followed the group knows about their deep respect for American blues and R&B. Thanks to that, Albert and BB King soon grabbed Bonn's ear. But when his future wife Kate caught his eye, she not only stole his heart, she made off with his soul. Or introduced him to her soul music collection, that is.

Paul Bonn

Paul's story

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Paul Bonn

Singer, composer and entertainer Paul Bonn has formed a blues band that features “cream of the crop” players from the St. Louis area. Paul Bonn & The Bluesmen feature Paul on vocals, harmonica, and percussion, John Higgerson on lead guitar, Sharon Foehner on bass, and Derek Bonn on drums.

Their material includes traditional blues, soul, R&B and Cajun covers and originals. The band members have years of experience touring regionally, nationally and worldwide with St. Louis as their home base. The band plays on a regular basis at Hammerstone’s (located in the St. Louis historic Soulard district). They play on both sides of the river at various venues and events. This band is best experienced in a live setting where you can enjoy their high energy show. Their unique style sets them apart from other St. Louis bands.

Henry's photos and discography

PHOTOS

THE NATIONAL BLUES MUSEUM PAYS TRIBUTE TO HENRY

Words of Tribute

"Henry signed his first recording contract at Wolf's on Biddle Street but his first recordings were made at the Paramount studio in Grafton, Wisconsin. Wanko mentions Henry's association with Sonnyboy Williamson. That was John Lee Williamson. The picture shown was that of Rice Miller who used Sonnyboy Williamson as a stage name due to John Lee's popularity. Miller was using the Sonnyboy moniker even before John Lee was killed. Henry played on some critically important recordings including the very first recordings of "Baby, Please Don't Go" and "Every Day I Have the Blues" both becoming standards that have been re-recorded scores, if not hundreds of times since."
Tom Burnham
Tom BurnhamMusic fan & historian
"I was Bennie's drummer with "Bennie Smith and the Urban Blues Express" when Bennie's band backed the St. Louis Blues Festival performance featuring the Great Henry Townsend. I remember it being such an exhilarating experience! Bennie Smith and Henry Townsend are existential Masters in the American blues world. The energy of performing with such iconic musicians was incredible."
Richard Hunt
Richard HuntBandleader / Drummer

Henry's videos

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From Runaway to Blues Legend: The Remarkable Henry Townsend Story

Henry's links

HENRY’S DISCOGRAPHY
LAST FM –  HENRY TOWNSEND
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
THE BLUES IN ST. LOUIS VOL.3 – HENRY TOWNSEND
CELEBRATING HENRY’s 100TH AT BB’s JAZZ, BLUES AND SOUPS
HEC-TV HISTORY SPOTLIGHT –  ST. LOUIS BLUES ICON HENRY TOWNSEND
HENRY’S GRAMMY AWARD – LAST OF THE GREAT MS DELTA BLUESMEN: LIVE IN DALLAS
ALONZO TOWNSEND CARRIES ON THE MUSICAL LEGACY