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“My music is about the way that I embrace life; with
spontaneity and emotion; it’s all about a connection”
says Ross Bon when describing his musical evolution.
Ross possesses a distinctive voice you remember long after
the song has ended; penetrating your soul with an expressive
style, driven with passion and a sense of charisma.
Plus Bon’s live performances across the country have
earned him and the Mighty Blue Kings rave reviews; creating
a celebration of sound, sweat and manic energy; bringing their
fans to a point of frenzy, where they can’t help but
to jump up and join Ross on his “live ride.”
And what an incredible ride it is.
With over 100,000 independent albums sold, Ross brings the
total package; from his celebrated live performances to his
self-produced soul drenched songs, there is no doubt, that
with Ross, you get exactly what you see.
But to really describe Ross Bon’s Mighty Blue Kings
music, you have to bring true American soul into the description;
a pure mix of soul, rock and R&B - a combination he likes
to term “Indie Soul.”
Although Bon hails from the cradle of urban blues, his introduction
to the sound wasn’t much different from most American
youth. He took his love of artists such as Led Zeppelin, the
Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and went back to explore their
influences; the sources for their music.
What he discovered was a treasure trove of blues and jazz
influences such as: Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little
Walter, Jr. Wells and Buddy Guy – among others –
that would lead him to assemble a group of musicians that
eventually would became known as the Mighty Blue Kings.
With influences ranging from Jazz, Blues, Gospel, R&B
and Soul, the Mighty Blue Kings soon became the vehicle for
Bon’s Music.
In 1992, Bon became an integral part of the Chicago music
scene as a harmonica player and vocalist; he recorded with
artists such as Willie “Big” Smith, Buddy Scott,
Pinetop Perkins, Jr. Wells, Dave Specter, James Cotton and
Kim Wilson.
Later in ‘95, Ross Bon’s Mighty Blue Kings made
their debut performance opening for the late Junior Wells
at Buddy Guy’s legends in Chicago; and followed up with
a weekly residence at the Chicago jazz club, The Green Mill.
The evening became legendary, selling out for two straight
years with die-hard fans willing to stand in-line outside,
around the block, in sub-zero temperatures!
Bon recalls with a smile, “People came out to sweat,
laugh and have a good time with each other, it was fantastic!”
The Chicago Sun Times’ Lloyd Sachs noted, “It’s
been a while since a musician has generated the kind of buzz
…”
Ross soon found himself playing and singing in clubs across
the country; it didn’t take long for Bon’s infectious
style and performances to catch the attention of an audience
wanting and waiting for something genuinely exciting.
Ross Bon’s first two independently produced CD’s
(with The Mighty Blue Kings), “Meet Me In Uptown,”
and “Come One, Come All” (R-Jay Records), together
sold over 100,000 copies, with the latter having debuted in
the top ten on Billboard’s Blues Album chart.
Hot on the heels of their two successes, Ross subsequently
released two additional albums, “Live From Chicago,”
(climbing to #14 on Billboard’s Blues Album charts)
and the holiday favorite, “The Christmas Album.”
Critics across the country are charmed with Ross Bon’s
passion for music and style of performance and here’s
what some have been saying:
“Bon’s voice seduces his listeners rather
than merely conquering them.”
- Howard Reich, The Chicago Tribune
“Another great piece of Americana to come out of
Chicago …” - Stuart Levine, L.A.
Daily News
“Enjoyable … sometimes dirty, sometimes martini-smooth,
sometimes rural, sometimes cosmopolitan R&B.”
- Glenn Kenny, New York Daily News
Through both his performances and touring nationally and
abroad, Ross Bon has shared billing with renowned artists
such as; Ray Charles, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall,
Pete Townsend and K.D. Lang.
He has performed for President Clinton and the First Lady
at the Democratic National Convention, the Republican Senatorial
Committee, Oprah Winfrey and Microsoft as well as numerous
national charitable agencies.
And adding to his credentials, Bon has also contributed his
unique talent and sound to major motion picture soundtracks
including, “Kissing A Fool” (starring David Schwimmer
and Jason Leigh) and “Three To Tango” (starring
Neve Campbell and Matthew Perry.)
Ross Bon’s latest album release (with The Mighty Blue
Kings), “Alive In The City” is creating a new
buzz and excitement.
Bon describes his journey, “It’s about making
the kind of music I love, and what people can identify with;
I can barely wait to see what is around the next bend!”
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