Bonnie Guitar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bonnie Guitar
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Bonnie Guitar in 1966
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bonnie Buckingham |
| Born | March 25, 1923 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | January 12, 2019 (aged 95) Soap Lake, Washington, U.S. |
| Genres | Country, pop |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, musician, businesswoman, horse/cattle breeder |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1956–1996 |
| Labels | Dot Records, Dolton Records, Columbia Records, MCA Records |
| Associated acts | Patsy Cline, Buddy Killen |
Bonnie Buckingham (March 25, 1923 – January 13, 2019), known as Bonnie Guitar, was an American singer and musician. She was also a producer and a businesswoman. Bonnie is famous for her 1957 song "Dark Moon". This song was a big hit on both country and pop music charts.
She was one of the first female country singers to have her songs become popular in both country and pop music. Bonnie also helped start a record company called Dolton Records. This company helped launch the careers of famous groups like The Fleetwoods and The Ventures.
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Bonnie Guitar's Early Life and Music Start
Bonnie Buckingham was born in 1923 in Seattle, Washington. She grew up near Puget Sound and later on a farm. When she was a teenager, she learned to play the guitar. This is how she got her stage name, Bonnie Guitar. She started performing at age 16 and also began writing her own songs.
In 1944, she married her guitar teacher, Paul Tutmarc. They had a daughter named Paula. After they separated in 1955, Bonnie moved to Los Angeles. In the 1950s, she worked as a guitarist for many small record labels.
Working as a session guitarist meant she played guitar on recordings for other singers. She played for artists like Jim Reeves and Dorsey Burnette. This experience made her want to become a singer herself.
How "Dark Moon" Became a Hit
After releasing her first song, "If You See My Love Dancing," Bonnie heard a song called "Dark Moon." She loved the song and really wanted to record it. It was a challenge to get the song just right. The final version of "Dark Moon" featured only two guitars and a bass supporting Bonnie's voice.
The song was first released in 1956. Then, it was re-released by Dot Records. By the spring of 1957, "Dark Moon" became a top 10 pop hit and a top 15 country hit.
Bonnie's Big Music Success in 1957
When "Dark Moon" became popular in 1957, Bonnie Guitar gained a lot of attention. She was one of the few female country singers at that time. Even more special, her song was a hit on both the country and pop charts at the same time.
Only one other female country singer, Patsy Cline, had similar success back then. Patsy Cline's song "Walkin' After Midnight" was also a hit on both charts. "Dark Moon" helped Bonnie reach many listeners. She started appearing on popular music TV shows.
However, Bonnie's next song, "Mister Fire Eyes," did not do as well on the pop charts. It only reached number 71. But it was still a top 15 hit on the country charts. Because her next song didn't have the same "crossover" success, her contract with Dot Records ended. Bonnie then moved back to Washington.
Starting a Record Label and Returning to Country Music
Bonnie decided to start her own record company called Dolphin Records. She co-founded it with Bob Reisdorff. They later had to change the name to Dolton Records because another company already used "Dolphin." Many of Bonnie's own songs were released on Dolton.
Helping Other Artists Shine
In 1959, a high school group called The Fleetwoods signed with Dolton. They quickly had huge pop hits like "Come Softly to Me" and "Mr. Blue". Another group, The Ventures, also signed with Dolton. They had a big hit with "Walk Don't Run".
Bonnie then felt it was time to focus on her own music again. She left Dolton and returned to Dot Records. There, she recorded several country albums throughout the 1960s.
Bonnie's TV Appearance and Later Music
In 1961, Bonnie appeared on a TV show called To Tell The Truth. Famous people like Johnny Carson and Betty White were on the show. Only Betty White guessed who Bonnie really was.
In 1966, Bonnie became one of the most successful female country singers. Her song "I'm Living in Two Worlds" became her first top 10 country hit. It also made it onto the pop Hot 100 chart. In 1967, she had an even bigger country hit with "A Woman in Love", which reached number 4. That same year, she won the "Top Female Vocalist" award from the Academy of Country Music.
In 1968, "I Believe in Love" was another top 10 hit for her. Bonnie also sang a duet with Buddy Killen called "A Truer Love You'll Never Find (Than Mine)". This song was a minor hit in 1969.
Bonnie's Later Career and Life
In the 1970s, Bonnie Guitar recorded for Columbia Records and MCA Records. She had a few more minor hit songs. In 1980, her song "Honey On the Moon" made it onto the charts. She continued to perform and play music until she retired in 1996.
Bonnie lived in Soap Lake, Washington. Even at 92 years old, in 2014, she was still producing and writing music. She also performed on weekends with her band.
Personal Life
Bonnie raised cattle and quarter horses in Orting, Washington. She did this with her second husband, Mario DePiano. They married in 1969, and he passed away in 1983.
Bonnie Guitar died in Soap Lake, Washington, on January 12, 2019. She was 95 years old.
Discography
