Songwriters of a Generation

Karla Bonoff and Jimmy Webb

Sometimes a song changes everything.

You learn every word and realize someone understands what you’re going through. These are the songs that become important markers of time, standards to celebrate, closely guarded companions after a tough breakup, or when you can’t quite find the words yourself.

Jimmy Webb and Karla Bonoff, two celebrated GRAMMY-winning songwriters of such lovingly-crafted songs, will share their most famous compositions in a rare double-bill appearance as Songwriters of a Generation on Saturday June 7. For these artists, the moniker is not an exaggeration. Webb is the only artist to receive Grammy’s for music, lyrics, and orchestration, has provided career-making classics for Glen Campbell, Art Garfunkel, The Fifth Dimension, and Joe Cocker. Karla Bonoff too, has seen many of her ballads become pop classics with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd and Lynn Anderson offering their interpretations.

Karla Bonoff has been described as one of the finest singer-songwriters of her generation.

Karla Bonoff

With a career spanning four decades, Bonoff has enjoyed critical acclaim, commercial success, as well as the unwavering respect of her peers. In addition to her own success, Karla has seen many of her ballads become pop classics, and songs such as “Tell Me Why” become hits for top artists.

Ronstadt recorded three of Bonoff’s songs on her 1976 album, Hasten Down the Wind, leading to a recording contract for Bonoff and the release of three albums, the last of which, Wild Heart of the Young, featured the Top 40 hit “Personally.” Bonoff worked on movie soundtracks during the ’80s, notably on Footloose and About Last Night. Rondstadt’s voice brings soaring authenticity to Bonoff’s resolute words. Together, they formed a realistic grown-up perspective for female pop music, tapping into the female perspective of everywoman. Their impact on female songwriting can still be seen today.

Jimmy Webb

A true living legend of songwriting, Jimmy Webb’s been crafting amazing songs, many of which have become cherished standards, for some forty years–and he’s still at it. His songs are soaring dramatic creations born from his piano and sharp mind for metaphor.

Though the name may not sound familiar, the song’s titles sure do. Webb’s compositions include “MacArthur Park,” “Wichita Lineman,” “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” “All I Know,” “The Highwayman,” “Up, Up and Away,” and many more. The list of musical icons who have interpreted his songs reads like a rolodex of the best in rock ’n roll from the late 60’s & 70’s, with even Donna Summer putting her disco spin on his classic, “MacArthur Park.” Along with his personal idol, Burt Bacharach, Webb is one of the few non-performing artists of the 60’s to achieve personal stardom and professional acclaim as a songwriter.

Don’t miss Karla Bonoff and Jimmy Webb, Songwriters of a Generation on Saturday, June 7. Tickets available here.