LAYONNE HOLMES

VOCALIST

BANDS & PROJECTS:
Motor City Revue * The New Standard

Jon Bon Jovi & the Kings of Suburbia

Matt O'Ree Band
Tim McLoone & The Shirleys * Holiday Express

About Me.

Layonne Holmes is a singer with a rich alto voice and a repertoire that includes funk, soul, jazz, blues and rock & roll. Layonne has stage and studio experience, and continues to broaden her horizons by performing with world-class musicians and adding songwriting to her credentials. This is her story.

Early Inspirations
Ask Layonne Holmes why she became a singer and she'll tell you it's in her DNA. Her mother, Delores, was an accomplished performer with a long list of credentials, including having been a backing singer with The Bruce Springsteen Band.

As a child, Layonne was surrounded by music. Although she received her musical foundation in gospel, she was enthralled by the Jacksons, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, among others. As a teenager, she discovered The Police, which prompted her to explore the sounds of rock and other musical genres. However, it wasn't until she was about 18 that she had an "aha" moment, when she heard famed alto singer, Sarah Vaughan, interpret music in ways Layonne had never before imagined. It was then that Layonne realized that there was a place for alto singers. From that moment, there was never a doubt in Layonne's mind that she would pursue music.

A studio session that started it all

When she was 22, Layonne got her first check for session work for E Street Band member, Danny Federici. Her mom told her, "You're a professional now." More session work followed over the years, with Layonne laying tracks for Fernando Saunders of Lou Reed Band, Vini Lopez of Steel Mill, Bill Chinnock, Steve Delopoulos and John DeGrazio of Burlap to Cashmere, Matt O'Ree, and many others.

Thriving in the spotlight

Much as she loves studio work, Layonne gets a special rush from the audience/performer dynamic. Her joy for her craft comes through in every live performance. Layonne got her first break singing backup with the band Backwoods and subsequently became a member of Love Among Freaks (of "Clerks" movie fame). Soon after, Layonne, her mom and friend Debbie Vaughn formed RAIN, a group whose sound was an electrifying fusion of soul, jazz, R&B, rock and gospel. Layonne parlayed that experience into a critically acclaimed Grand Ladies of Jazz concert show, which featured songs from Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Nina Simone and formed the basis for her next project, The New Standard. At the same time, Layonne began the 11-piece Motor City Revue, a Motown & Stax tribute band that since its founding in 2011, has built such a strong following that it sells out nearly every performance. Additionally, Layonne is a member of Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, a cover band that performs a mix of jazz, classic rock, and "girl group" pop. Layonne's association with Tim began when she and her mom signed on as volunteers for his non-profit organization Holiday Express, a group that brings music, supplies, financial support and goodwill to those in need.

Performing in the major leagues

Layonne has been featured in many Rock 'n' Soul Revues produced by Bob Bandiera, then-touring member of the band Bon Jovi. Her work with Bandiera led to an invitation to be a member of Jon Bon Jovi and the Kings of Suburbia, featuring Jon and several Jersey artists doing covers of famous rock and pop songs, including some of Bon Jovi's own. Throughout her career, Layonne has shared the stage with many music industry luminaries, including Darlene Love, Phoebe Snow, Southside Johnny, Gary U.S. Bonds, Ben E. King, Leslie Gore, Marc Ribler, Glen Burtnik, and Beth Nielson Chapman. In 2001, Layonne and her mom were selected to back Bruce Springsteen on the internationally-televised "9/11 Tribute to Heroes" telethon and appear on the album of the same name.

The next chapter

Layonne continues to stretch her musical muscles, turning her attention to songwriting collaborations with area musicians. Layonne's first published song, "Higher Plane" appeared on the 1999 Love Among Freaks CD, "Representin' Planet Earth". Layonne and the New Standard Jazz Quintet often include some of her more recent compositions in their set list. Layonne's next goal to conquer: recording a solo CD. Based on her successes to date, the CD is bound to be a powerhouse debut and surely will lead to even more "firsts" in the future.

~ by Barbara Willis

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IN THE NEWS

Dec 10, 2019 Asbury Park Press

Dec 3, 2019 Instinct Magazine

Jan 18, 2016 Two River Times

Dec 24, 2015 NJ Arts.com

Asbury Park Press 2013 Summer Guide!

June 29, 2012 Asbury Park Press

Feb 28, 2009 Aquarian

Oct 31, 2008 Star Ledger

March 2, 2007 Two River Times

Feb 20, 2007 Asbury Park Press

Please listen to my interview with Andrea Tarr of Jersey Coastal Live, click here

2021 CALENDAR.

2021

JANUARY

Jan 29 - Matt O'Ree Band, The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ, 7pm

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Mar 12 - Gonzo's Funky Family, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 7:30pm

Mar 27 - Matt O'Ree Band, The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ, 7pm

APRIL

Apr 24 - THEATER SHOW!!! Motor City Revue, Brook Arts Center, Bound Brook, NJ, 8pm

MAY

JUNE

Jun 24 - Motor City Revue, Pier Village Boardwalk, Long Branch, NJ, 8:30pm

JULY

Jul 13 - Matt O'Ree Band, Broadway Bandshell, Long Branch, NJ, 7pm

AUGUST

Aug 1 - Motor City Revue, Blu Grotto, Oceanport, NJ, 8pm

Aug 26 - Motor City Revue, Traders Cove, Brick, NJ, 7pm
Aug 27 (RAIN DATE) - Motor City Revue, Traders Cove, Brick, NJ, 7pm
Aug 29 - Motor City Revue, Excursion Park, Sea Isle, NJ, 7pm

SEPTEMBER