Ross Bon and the Mighty Blue Kings

“My music is about the way that I embrace life; with spontaneity and emotion; it’s all about a connection” says Ross Bon when describing his musical evolution.

Ross possesses a distinctive voice you remember long after the song has ended; penetrating your soul with an expressive style, driven with passion and a sense of charisma.

Plus Bon’s live performances across the country have earned him and the Mighty Blue Kings rave reviews; creating a celebration of sound, sweat and manic energy; bringing their fans to a point of frenzy, where they can’t help but to jump up and join Ross on his “live ride.”

And what an incredible ride it is.

With over 100,000 independent albums sold, Ross brings the total package; from his celebrated live performances to his self-produced soul drenched songs, there is no doubt, that with Ross, you get exactly what you see.

But to really describe Ross Bon’s Mighty Blue Kings music, you have to bring true American soul into the description; a pure mix of soul, rock and R&B - a combination he likes to term “Indie Soul.”

Although Bon hails from the cradle of urban blues, his introduction to the sound wasn’t much different from most American youth. He took his love of artists such as Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and went back to explore their influences; the sources for their music.

What he discovered was a treasure trove of blues and jazz influences such as: Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Jr. Wells and Buddy Guy – among others – that would lead him to assemble a group of musicians that eventually would became known as the Mighty Blue Kings.

With influences ranging from Jazz, Blues, Gospel, R&B and Soul, the Mighty Blue Kings soon became the vehicle for Bon’s Music.

In 1992, Bon became an integral part of the Chicago music scene as a harmonica player and vocalist; he recorded with artists such as Willie “Big” Smith, Buddy Scott, Pinetop Perkins, Jr. Wells, Dave Specter, James Cotton and Kim Wilson.

Later in ‘95, Ross Bon’s Mighty Blue Kings made their debut performance opening for the late Junior Wells at Buddy Guy’s legends in Chicago; and followed up with a weekly residence at the Chicago jazz club, The Green Mill.

The evening became legendary, selling out for two straight years with die-hard fans willing to stand in-line outside, around the block, in sub-zero temperatures!

Bon recalls with a smile, “People came out to sweat, laugh and have a good time with each other, it was fantastic!”

The Chicago Sun Times’ Lloyd Sachs noted, “It’s been a while since a musician has generated the kind of buzz …”

Ross soon found himself playing and singing in clubs across the country; it didn’t take long for Bon’s infectious style and performances to catch the attention of an audience wanting and waiting for something genuinely exciting.

Ross Bon’s first two independently produced CD’s (with The Mighty Blue Kings), “Meet Me In Uptown,” and “Come One, Come All” (R-Jay Records), together sold over 100,000 copies, with the latter having debuted in the top ten on Billboard’s Blues Album chart.

Hot on the heels of their two successes, Ross subsequently released two additional albums, “Live From Chicago,” (climbing to #14 on Billboard’s Blues Album charts) and the holiday favorite, “The Christmas Album.”

Critics across the country are charmed with Ross Bon’s passion for music and style of performance and here’s what some have been saying:

“Bon’s voice seduces his listeners rather than merely conquering them.”
- Howard Reich, The Chicago Tribune

“Another great piece of Americana to come out of Chicago …” - Stuart Levine, L.A. Daily News

“Enjoyable … sometimes dirty, sometimes martini-smooth, sometimes rural, sometimes cosmopolitan R&B.” - Glenn Kenny, New York Daily News

Through both his performances and touring nationally and abroad, Ross Bon has shared billing with renowned artists such as; Ray Charles, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Pete Townsend and K.D. Lang.

He has performed for President Clinton and the First Lady at the Democratic National Convention, the Republican Senatorial Committee, Oprah Winfrey and Microsoft as well as numerous national charitable agencies.

And adding to his credentials, Bon has also contributed his unique talent and sound to major motion picture soundtracks including, “Kissing A Fool” (starring David Schwimmer and Jason Leigh) and “Three To Tango” (starring Neve Campbell and Matthew Perry.)

Ross Bon’s latest album release (with The Mighty Blue Kings), “Alive In The City” is creating a new buzz and excitement.

Bon describes his journey, “It’s about making the kind of music I love, and what people can identify with; I can barely wait to see what is around the next bend!”