Layonne Holmes is a singer with a repertoire that includes soul, jazz, funk, and rock & roll. She has stage and studio experience and continues to broaden her horizons by working with world-class musicians.
Ask Layonne Holmes why she became a singer and she'll tell you it's in her DNA. Her mother, Delores, was an accomplished performer, including having been a backing singer with The Bruce Springsteen Band.
Layonne got her first break singing backup with the band Backwoods and subsequently became a member of Love Among Freaks (of "Clerks" movie fame). Soon after, Layonne, her mom and friend Debbie Vaughn formed RAIN, a group whose sound was an electrifying fusion of soul, jazz, R&B, rock and gospel. Layonne parlayed that experience into a critically acclaimed Grand Ladies of Jazz concert show, which featured songs from Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Nina Simone and formed the basis for her next project, The New Standard. At the same time, Layonne began the 12-piece Motor City Revue, a Motown & Stax tribute band that since its founding in 2011, has built a strong following. Additionally, Layonne is a member of Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, a cover band that performs a mix of jazz, classic rock, and "girl group" pop. Layonne's association with Tim began when she and her mom signed on as volunteers for his non-profit organization Holiday Express, a group that brings music, supplies, financial support and goodwill to those in need.
Layonne has been featured in many Rock 'n' Soul Revues produced by Bob Bandiera, then-touring member of the band Bon Jovi. Her work with Bandiera led to an invitation to be a member of Jon Bon Jovi and the Kings of Suburbia. Throughout her career, Layonne has shared the stage with many music industry luminaries, including Darlene Love, Phoebe Snow, Southside Johnny, Gary U.S. Bonds, Ben E. King, Leslie Gore, and more. In 2001, Layonne and her mom were selected to back Bruce Springsteen on the internationally-televised "9/11 Tribute to Heroes" telethon and appear on the album of the same name. Throughout the years she has also recorded in many studio sessions for local artists as well as for E Street Band member, Danny Federici, Fernando Saunders of Lou Reed Band, Vini Lopez of Steel Mill, Darlene Love, Lloyd Price, and many others.
Layonne now sings backup for Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love, and continues to stretch her musical muscles. Turning her attention to songwriting collaborations with area musicians, Layonne's next goal to conquer: recording a solo CD. Her first published song, "Higher Plane" appeared on the 1999 Love Among Freaks CD, "Representin' Planet Earth", and she looks forward to many more in the future.
Early Inspirations
Ask Layonne Holmes why she became a singer and she'll tell you it's in her DNA. Her mother, Delores, was an accomplished performer with a long list of credentials, including having been a backing singer with The Bruce Springsteen Band.
As a child, Layonne was surrounded by music. Although she received her musical foundation in gospel, she was enthralled by the Jacksons, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, among others. As a teenager, she discovered The Police, which prompted her to explore the sounds of rock and other musical genres. However, it wasn't until she was about 18 that she had an "aha" moment, when she heard famed alto singer, Sarah Vaughan, interpret music in ways Layonne had never before imagined. It was then that Layonne realized that there was a place for alto singers. From that moment, there was never a doubt in Layonne's mind that she would pursue music.
