Graham Bonnet Rock singer Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Graham Bonnet
2. Early Career
3. Rainbow and Solo Career
4. Later Career

Biography of Graham Bonnet

Graham Bonnet, one of the most prominent rock singers of our time, was born in Lincolnshire, England. Like most of his peers, he was obsessed with songs by THE BEATLES. However, American rock and blues musicians such as Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly had a significant influence on the future vocalist of RAINBOW, M.S.G., and ALCATRAZZ, shaping his own style.

Early Career

The turning point in Graham Bonnet's career was the single "Only One Woman" by his first band, THE MARBLES, released in 1968. The song, written by Barry Gibb of the BEE GEES, reached the third place on the UK charts. Bonnet recorded several more singles and a full-length album with the band before embarking on a solo career. His first solo single, "Rare Spacemen," was released in 1972, followed by more singles in 1973 and 1974. In 1977, Bonnet released his first self-titled album, which gained popularity in Europe and particularly in Australia, where the album achieved gold status.

Rainbow and Solo Career

A year later, out of 60 candidates, Bonnet was chosen as the vocalist for RAINBOW after Ronnie James Dio's departure. With Richie Blackmore & Co., Graham Bonnet recorded only one album, "Down To Earth," which became the band's second most popular release. The album reached the sixth spot on the UK charts, and both singles from the album, "Since You've Been Gone" and "All Night Long," also reached the same position. Bonnet had the honor of performing with RAINBOW at the prestigious "Monsters Of Rock" festival in Castle Donington in August 1980.

After his time with RAINBOW, Bonnet returned to his solo career in early 1981. He collaborated with esteemed musicians such as keyboardist Jon Lord (DEEP PURPLE), drummer Cozy Powell (JEFF BECK GROUP, WHITESNAKE, M.S.G., RAINBOW, and more), guitarist Micky Moody (WHITESNAKE), and bassist Gary Twigg, on his third album, "Line Up," which reached the sixth spot on the charts.

Later Career

Following his stint with RAINBOW, Bonnet had another brief collaboration, this time with Michael Schenker's band, M.S.G., where he sang on the album "Assault Attack." After recording this album, Bonnet moved to Los Angeles and joined Yngwie Malmsteen's band, ALCATRAZZ, with whom he recorded four albums. After the disbandment of ALCATRAZZ, Bonnet worked on an album with the project IMPELLITTERI, and briefly collaborated with bands like FORCEFIELD and BLACKTHORNE before returning to his solo endeavors.

In 2000, Graham Bonnet appeared as a guest vocalist on an album by the Japanese band ANTHEM.