Local country music artist forming new band; inducted into hall of fame

For Bonnie-Lee Kyle, known to regional country music fans as Bonnie-Lee, being inducted into the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame on Oct. 30, 2016 was the culmination of a career that has spanned decades. In 2014, she received acknowledgement on what is known as the “Hall of Honor.”  

The Cortland Country Music Park, located in Cortland, N.Y., boasts memorabilia from many Nashville and local entertainers, including Kenny Rogers, Jeannie C. Riley and Tammy Wynette.    

“Music has been my life for many years,” Bonnie-Lee shared, and added, “It was a great honor to be rewarded for something I love to do so much.”

Best known as the lead singer / songwriter for the band, the Country Express, who formed in 1980 and performed for over 20 years, Bonnie-Lee’s passion to perform classic country music has recently reignited.

“I miss entertaining and I’m looking for musicians to form a new band,” Bonnie-Lee said.

Bonnie-Lee’s childhood in Lockwood, N.Y. was filled with music, which included Sunday after-dinner sing-a-longs with her parents and siblings, as well as listening to the likes of Loretta Lynn and Jim Reeves on 1960’s radio. Fond memories of her mother singing and her father playing harmonica inspired Bonnie-Lee to take hold of a dream and pursue the music industry. Also credited is an early stage appearance at Waverly’s Fraley’s Park that further escalated the dream.

Beginning in 1980, Bonnie-Lee and her band, the Country Express, created a following as regulars at several area venues, where they played for more than two decades. Concert road trips took Bonnie-Lee to Nashville and West Virginia. The band, some of whom have remained in the area and a few who have relocated to Nashville, fronted and played alongside other local favorites such as Alice Detrick and Bucky Moon. At the Cortland County Country Music Park, Bonnie-Lee and the band opened for legendary country music star, Bill Anderson, and one of Bonnie-Lee’s all-time favorites, The Kendall’s, a father-daughter duo.

Bonnie-Lee ventured to Nashville on several occasions, where one trip in particular crowned her the first place winner at a singing contest at the once renowned “Gilley’s.” Other Tennessee stops included performances on the Nashville Review Show as well as a famous nightclub district that dates back to the 1940’s known as Printers Alley. Still highly sought out by Nashville-bound musicians, Printers Alley retains its historical link to the publishing industry of the early 1900’s and continues to host some of today’s up-and-coming performers.   

Bonnie-Lee has recorded two CD’s, one titled “You Turn My World Around” and another, “Country Music with Bonnie-Lee,” which includes a song she penned herself. The latter CD, recorded in Nashville, gave Bonnie-Lee the opportunity to work with seasoned studio musicians from bands associated with the likes of George Jones and Tanya Tucker. Another accomplishment on Bonnie-Lee’s music resume is a nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year on the Independent Label.  

Bonnie-Lee’s future direction will be geared toward more classic country music, which includes performing old standards and covers of some of her favorite artists such as Hank Williams, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, along with Reba, Shania Twain and Terri Clark, just to name a few.

As she finishes pulling a new band together, it is Bonnie-Lee’s goal to focus on performances at clubs, fairs, veterans groups and other similar shows.

“I prefer classic country, and there is still a great following for it,” Bonnie-Lee commented, and is genuinely eager to perform for her fans and get back into the spotlight. 

For those inquiring about CD’s that might be available, they are not available at this time, but they will be in the future as her ventures develop.