Artists:Richard Barone

Richard Barone

As the frontman of the Bongos in the '80s, Richard Barone pioneered an unusual combination of tribal rhythms and Beatlesque chord changes with Sex Pistols overdrive. Along with comrades R.E.M. and just a handful of others, The Bongos helped to create an exploding college radio market, paving the way for alternative rock. As a solo artist, his albums venture into chamber pop and more narrative, singer-songwriter tones. As a record producer, he scouts, discovers, and develops emerging talent, such as pianist Johnny Rodgers, for whom he recently produced a duet with Liza Minelli. As a producer/director, he creates large-scale concert events (such as at his recent, sold-out, star-studded tributes to Miss Peggy Lee at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl in 2003 and 2004, and major concerts in New York's Central Park).

Barone is currently in the studio working on his next solo album with veteran producer Tony Visconti (Bowie, T. Rex) planned for Fall, 2007 release. He has additionally joined forces for the project with producers Mike Thorne (Bronski Beat, Communards, Wire) and Steve Rosenthal (Lou Reed, Monster Magnet), legendary tunesmith Paul Williams, lensman Mick Rock, and other luminaries. As recording continues, he is writing his first book, to be published by Backbeat/Hal Leonard Books, also in Fall 2007. read more.