Episode 19, April 18, 2023

Bonnie Hayes is an American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and educator. The eldest of seven children from a highly musical family, she attended Washington High School and San Francisco State University. Her brother, Chris, was the lead guitarist for Huey Lewis and the News. Her brother, Kevin, was a drummer with the Robert Cray Band. Bonnie has performed in numerous bands as well as on tours with Bob Seeger, Belinda Carlisle and Billy Idol. Her songs have been recorded by Cher, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Natalie Cole, Robert Cray, David Crosby, Adam Ant and Booker T and the MGs. Between 2013 and 2022 she served as the chair of the songwriting department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Bonnie Hayes is also a long-time board member at Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco. She currently directs Blue Bear’s All Star Songwriting Program for teens.

I spoke with Bonnie Hayes about her early years in the San Francisco music scene, her many ideas about the craft of songwriting, and why she believes limitations can positively help define an artistic persona.

You can find out more about Bonnie Hayes here.