Joe Bourne
Artist Bio
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, music became a part of Joe's life at an early age. He began his singing career in a church choir and with various street corner singing groups. Greatly inspired by Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstien, Lou Rawls Joe Williams and Frank Sinatra, Joe's own singing style has rapidly become known to audiences around the globe. Joe's career grew in the USA from lead singer of a Top 40 rhythm and blues / jazz group, to the international status that he now enjoys, recording and experiencing success with his LPs/CDs. He has made several radio and TV commercials for Delta Airlines, Coca Cola, AT&T and Siemens Electronics.
After moving to Europe, in 1975, Joe began performing for the American and Dutch Military and supported acts in concert for such artists as The Stylistics, Natalie Cole, The Manhattans, The Pointer Sisters, Dionne Warwick, and Nina Simone while they were on their European tours.
His engagements have included concerts and corporate events in such places as Finland, Australia, Aruba, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Great Britain, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Jamaica and the U.S.A.
Numerous television shows culminated in a Christmas TV special with the world renown Ray Charles which was filmed in Germany and televised in various markets throughout the world.
Joe continues to expand his already extensive repertoire, delivering his special brand of entertainment for Radio and TV programs, gala evenings, concerts, dinner shows, film premiers, designer fashion shows, grand openings, conventions, cruise-ships, galas, charity benefits Big Band and Pops Orchestra Concerts.
In Bulgaria, he was awarded the Silver Orpheus and in Ireland the Jimmy Kennedy Award, both for his exciting rendition of Gershwin’s “Summertime”. In addition, Joe was also awarded two prizes in 1998: “
Kunsteler des Jahres and the Diamantes des Jahres". Both for top class entertainment in Germany.
In 2000, Joe returned to the USA and now resides in Southern Arizona. He served 3 years on the board of the Tucson Jazz Society and was the vice president from 2004-2006. He currently serves as the entertainment
coordinator for the Oro Valley, Az Arts Council’s Arts in the Park” (3rd yr)
In 2006, Joe served as a panelist for the music section of the Arizona Commission of the Arts Grants selection program.
Reviews and Quotes
Carl Topilow Music Director and Conductor, Cleveland Pops Orchestra 1/10/05 writes “An outstanding vocalist with whom I had the pleasure of working with this past New Years Eve with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. A true professional in every sense, His smooth vocalism was matched by his emotional envolvement and satisfying delivery of each song. Our experience with Mr. Bourne was overwhelmingly positive and I would recommend him for future engagements with orchestras requiring a versatile and dynamic vocalist.
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Lisa Benwitz a random listener writes "I should say I'm not in the music business in any way, but I feel qualified to "judge" based on my life long love of and appreciation for all kinds of music. "For what it may be worth, I wanted to tell you that your rendition of "Send In the Clowns" brought tears to my eyes. It was beautifully sung, played and arranged. You are a spectacular talent and I wish you all the best in your career and life.
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Lon Monasch Director of Cristofori, Amsterdam, Holland writes "Just a short note to thank you for your superb performance during our Vocal Jazz series with trio Rene van Beeck here at the Cristofori in Amsterdam. Not only was your choice of repertoire enjoyable but the way you seemed to wrap the audience in an entertaining fashion is commendable. We hope we may call upon you again for one of our future series."
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Specialties
Big Band Orchestra
Genre
jazz vocal