Bonnie and Bill Hearne were honored on July 2017 in Santa Fe by the New Mexico Music Commission and its Foundation at the inaugural Platinum Music Awards at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. They were recognized for contributions to the New Mexico music community.
Bonnie died in Santa Fe the day after Christmas 2017. The service at the church was packed with musicians, entertainers, friends and fans, with people from all walks of life. Some traveled great distances to pay respect to a legend of Southwestern music and to show their support and love for Bill.
When the Texas couple moved to Red River in 1979, they were already icons of Texas music – some called them the Godparents of the Austin scene. They soon became standouts in their new home in the Land of Enchantment. In the small confines of Chubbies Tavern in the Alpine Lodge, they set a standard for excellence in entertainment during their 11-year stint. By the time they moved to Santa Fe in 1991, their reputation had already expanded throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado. In Northern New Mexico they were held in highest reverence.
They always made a point of returning to Red River to play at dance halls, festivals, weddings and celebrations. The crowds were filled with long-time fans and friends whom Bill and Bonnie knew on a first-name basis.
One of the finest flatpickers on the planet, Bill inspired a legion of guitar players to practice, work hard and grow. Ask Lyle Lovett about watching Bill’s fingers.
It was Bonnie’s voice and fluid piano, however, that captured so many hearts. Her simple, sensitive vocal stylings and her understanding of the values and subtleties of chord structure were never betrayed by the slightest hint of technique. It was so natural. There was always her undying respect for the music. The honesty of every note breathed life and the colors of emotion, painting vivid sound pictures, a vision for the soul. With Bill’s guitar and earthy vocals, they inspired people to be hardcore Bill and Bonnie fanatics: the meaning of “fan.”
Bonnie was so easy to talk with, a delightful conversationalist. Once we discussed painting. She told me she become blind at a young age – 8 or 9 years old – but she had experienced color by painting pictures before losing her sight. Colors like red, yellow and blue still had meaning, though she hadn’t seen them for lo so many moons. When we’d meet at the Post Office – you pick up your mail everyday in a small town – or when I would visit with her at a gig, she would always greet me with “It’s good to see you, Fritz!” It was always a joy to see Bonnie.
When Bill and Bonnie moved to Santa Fe, I took the Chubbies Tavern gig. One night they came in, sat in the front row and sang harmony with me, a thrill that still ranks at the top of my musical memories.
Health issues in 2003 forced Bonnie to end touring so Bill continued to play their long-time house gig at La Fonda Hotel, as well as travel with a trio of top-notch players. He’s still working and touring, appearing occasionally with his nephew, singer/songwriter Michael Hearne, whose song “New Mexico Rain” has become the anthem of the Southwest sound. Mike followed his uncle and aunt to the high country and still plays Red River on special occasions.
We are blessed with memories of Bonnie – gentle, feisty, warm and caring amongst us. There is pure sunlight when we hear Bonnie’s recordings. Miss her? There will always be a hole in our hearts. –Fritz Davis