LAYONNE HOLMES
VOCALIST
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
Aug 3, 2023 Vocalist, Layonne Holmes, shares her musical journey - SoundCloud
Nov 23, 2021 Asbury Park Press
Sept 9, 2021 Asbury Park Press
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
2024 CALENDAR.
2024
JANUARY
Jan 26 - Ray Andersen's Bowie & Beyond Tribute, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ, 9pm
FEBRUARY
Feb 10 - Matt O'Ree Band, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ, 9pm
Feb 16 - The Shirleys, Tim McLoone's 76th B'day Bash, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm
Feb 23 - Ray Andersen's Press Play, Salty's, Lake Como, NJ, 8pm
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MARCH
Mar 2 - Motor City Revue, Sanctuary House Benefit Gala, Greensboro, NC, 8pm
APRIL
Apr 6 - Matt O'Ree Band, Leestavall LIVE-to-VINYL Recording, Brooklyn, NY
Apr 12 - Darlene Love, Patchogue Theater, Long Island, NY
Apr 14 - Darlene Love, Bergen PAC, Bergen, NJ
Apr 19 - Ray Andersen's Bowie & Beyond Tribute, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm
Apr 20 - The Disco Connection, The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ, 8pm
MAY
May 3 - Motor City Revue, McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ, 8pm
May 9 - Motor City Revue, Fulfill Shore to Rock Hunger 2024, Baseline Social, Oceanport, NJ, 6pm
May 18 - Duo w/Ray Andersen, McLoone's Boathouse, S. Orange, NJ, 8pm
May 24 - Matt O'Ree Band, Lizzie Rose Music Room, Tuckerton, NJ, 8pm
May 31 - Trio w/Ray Andersen & Reagan RIchards, Pride Event, Scotch Plains, NJ
JUNE
Jun 13 - The Shirleys, Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ, 7-8:30pm
Jun 15 - Private Party
Jun 22 - Private Party
Jun 26 - Motor City Revue, Private Party
Jun 27 - Motor City Revue, Pier Village Boardwalk, Long Branch, NJ, 7-8:30pm
JULY
Jul 13- Matt O'Ree Band, Sourland Music Fest, NJ, pm
Jul 26 - Motor City Revue, Brookdale Park, Bloomfield, NJ, 7:30-9pm
Jul 27 - Matt O'Ree Band, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ, 9pm
AUGUST
Aug 8 - Motor City Revue, Crane Park Gazebo, West Caldwell, NJ, 7:30-9pm
SEPTEMBER
Sep 8 - Ray Andersen's Press Play, Casino Pier, Seaside Beach, NJ, 7pm
Sep 11 - Motor City Revue, Downtown Freehold, NJ, 7-9pmS
Sep 25 - The Disco Connection, Private Party
Sep 28 - Motor City Revue, Edison Family Street Fair, Edison, NJ, 3-4:30pm
Sep 28 - Motor City Revue, Private Party
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
Nov 7 - Motor City Revue, Orion Communities Gala, Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA
DECEMBER
CRediTS.
and many more!
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PERFORMED and/or RECORDED with:
Alan Grant & Primitive Soul
Backwoods
Arlan Feiles & The Brokenhearted
Bar Scott
Ben E King
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Bill Chinnock
Bob Bandiera
Bob Burger
Bruce Springsteen
Calling All Divas
Chris Pinella
Clarence Clemons
Darlene Love
Dan Zanes
Elana Hayden
Franke Previte
Gabrielle Roth and The Moving Center
John Cafferty
Jon Bon Jovi
Josh Dion
Lesley Gore
Lisa Lowell
Little Steven Van Zandt
Love Among Freaks
Mike Wells
Neal Coty
Nick Clemons
Nicole Atkins
Pat Guadagno
Patti Scialfa
Phoebe Snow
(Mr.) Ray Andersen
Robert Cotnoir/Grapefruit Soundlab
Soozie Tyrell
Steve Greenwell
Soul Project
Southside Johnny
The Trammps (supporting act)
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