Baillie and Michael Bonagura
Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura: Ambassadors
Entertaining Guests at Annual SMF Fundraisers For Many Years
Emerging as one of the best known country music bands of the late 80’s and early 90’s
“Baillie And The Boys” was an integral part of forever shaping the direction of Country Music. The release of their first RCA single which by blending an east coast pop sound while keeping the traditional Nashville songwriting and sometimes personal lyrics the group became known for garnered them instant Top Ten success on the Country Charts. The 3 part vocal harmonies that distinguished the groups sound was used by many of the biggest names in country music including Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Lynn Anderson, Marie Osmond, Dan Seals, Mo Bandy and others and at one time you could have heard the backing vocals of Baillie And The Boys on 5 of BillBoards 10 Ten Country Singles all in the same week!
With the release of the groups 2nd CD, “Turn The Tide” the 1st single released from that project quickly shot up the charts to the # 3 position and was one of the longest running country singles plating on the charts for a record breaking 37 weeks becoming of the most performed songs of 1988.The next 3 singles off of that CD; “She Deserves You”, “Turn The Tide” and “(I Wish I Had A) Heart Of Stone” were some of the biggest country singles of 1988 and 1989.
LeBoeuf left the group at the height of it’s career to pursue a solo more mainstream pop direction but has rejoined several times over the past 10 years for varied projects and tours. In 1990 the group minus LeBoeuf released what was to become one of their biggest hits; the remake of Hank Snow’s classic, “A Fool Such As I” followed by “Treat Me Like A Stranger” and “Perfect” completing a perfect string of 10 consecutive Top Ten Hits while on the RCA label.
In 1995 Kathie Baillie co-hosted one of TNN’s top rated variety shows; Yesteryear as well as hosting several award shows and television specials. Continuing to perform – touring around the country while releasing the CD “Lovin Every Minute” on the Intersound label, “Angel In Chains” a movie sound track featuring 8 Baillie And The Boys songs followed by “Viscaya” and “The Road That Led Me To You” the group continued to receive accolades from the media but with out the RCA machine behind it failed to hold on to it’s once mainstay presence on the radio charts. In 2006 Kathie Baillie released her 1st solo CD “Love’s Funny That Way” which was almost 7 years since her last project to find a welcomed return. The CD continues to sell and there are plans to release an all new Baillie And The Boys CD in the near future.
Throughout 2016, Baillie & The Boys original members, Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura, along with Tim Buppert on drums/bgv and Mark Fain on bass guitar, will be celebrating their 30th anniversary of signing with RCA Records, writing and recording a dozen of their own Billboard hit songs, as well as, numerous hits for other artists. Since then they’ve continued to write, record and perform their own critically acclaimed and Grammy nominated acoustic roots music.
They’re currently in the studio recording a retrospective showcasing their unbelievable body of work and just completed a new Christmas CD. Kathie’ breathtaking voice and live performance, backed by the pristine harmonies and guitar virtuosity of Michael, continue to fill venues and thrill audiences in intimate theaters, concert halls, PAC’s and listening rooms.
Baillie & The Boy’s recently signed with ‘Live On Stage’ which will bring them to 50+ markets throughout the coming year. They would love to see their dear friends and fans on the road.
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