Heather Hortonâ¦
A Biography by Trish Cook (Author of, "So Lyrical")
A force as strong as Heather Horton is nearly impossible to pin down. Every time you think youâve got her all figured her out, she morphs into something even more wondrous and amazing before your eyes.
Sheâs both the tomboy who beat the crap of her brothersâ bullies in grade school and the sexy siren who allures fans by the boatload these days with her distinctive and seductive sound.
Sheâs the vulnerable girl who pours her heart out in deeply confessional lyrics and the supremely confident woman who slips clever double entendres into her songs at every opportunity.
And sheâs the elegant violin virtuoso who could have her pick of symphony orchestras if only she so chose and the ballsy rocker chick who blends the aching beauty of her electric violin with the incendiary guitar riffs, pumping bass lines and mesmerizing backbeat of her equally gifted band mates.
No doubt, this Hawaiian born talent defies simple definition because there is clearly nothing simple or ordinary about her. Quite possibly the only thing set in stone about Heather Horton is this: She was born to be a star. âI came out of the womb singing and dancing,â? she says. âI knew from the time I was five years old that this is what I wanted to do. I was born for it, and Iâm ready for it.â?
Even if Heather hadnât been a natural performer, it wouldâve been hard to miss the signs of her vast talent. At age 3, she sat down at the piano and played effortlessly by ear; by age 12, sheâd mastered the violin; in college, she held the coveted seat of concert master; was crowned Miss Lacrosse, entered on a dare, to go on through the Miss America Pageant; landed her first attempted singing gig in Minneapolisâ prestigious 15 piece Remyâs Orchestra band (never having sang previously in public); and finally taught herself guitar within one year in order to showcase herself and her songs, independently throughout the nation.
While these accomplishments might have proven a career pinnacle for someone less driven, it all merely served as a springboard to propel to Ms. Horton to new heights in search of her true calling. And thank God for that. Because Heatherâs just not the classic-violinist-beauty-queen-dainty-finger-sandwich-eating-look-down-her-nose-at-you type. Sheâs down-to-earth. Gutsy. In-your-face. And she simply oozes sexuality from every pore in her hot little body. Make no mistake about itâeverything about this girl freakinâ rocks.
As a singer-songwriter, Heatherâs influences are a crazy-ass conglomeration of artists that range from the divine to the absurd. âI did my first book report ever on Reginald Dwight,â? she says. âI truly wanted to be Elton John when I grew up.â? In Heatherâs world, the inspiration of Reginald/Elton is complemented by the talents of Prince, Mozart, Peter, Paul and Mary, Billy Joel, Itzhak Perlman, Chrissie Hynde, Bonnie Raitt...and KC and the Sunshine Band? Somehow, this all makes perfect sense once you hear Heatherâs genre-defying sound.
âMy music is complex in its simplicity. Less is more,â? declares Heather, and sheâs right. Relying on the boundless talents of her bandâthe incomparable Chris Forte on guitarâthe perfect vibe is coaxed out of each and every song. These hand-picked musicians have both the chops and a clear view into Heatherâs soul that enables them to create music with her that is about as close to nirvana as you can get. âWhat comes out of my work with these guys just fits the taste on my tongue,â? she says. And itâs the taste of sweet success.
Whether sheâs singing about love, loss or longing, Heather Horton leaves an indelible mark on her listenersâ ears and hearts. âMy music is real and raw,â? she says. Just like life, the songs on her debut CD Solo At Last run the gamut of emotions, from the sunny and sexy In and Out to the overwhelming yearning of Nuisance; the cynical yet still somehow hopeful Chicago She Goes to the undeniable love and wonder of Heaven Knows. The last cutâa gut-wrenching rendition of KC and the Sunshine Bandâs Please Donât Goâis classic Heather: Both astonishing and unexpected.
Since their recent inception, the Heather Horton Band has been captivating audiences with their magnetic live performance in clubs around their home base of Chicago as well as nationwide. While people may walk into a show unsuspecting and unconvinced of the talent that awaits them, they most definitely walk out converted. Itâs simply impossible not to. The tight, driving sound of the band provides the perfect backdrop for Heatherâs sultry vocals, endearingly naughty lyrics and ethereal violin. In fact, watching Heather and her violin make sweet music together is truly the ultimate voyeuristic experience; itâs so intimate, so sensual, you feel like youâre witnessing an extremely private moment. But then you realize Heather is on stage creating a powerful connection with each and every audience member while she plays, and it makes you feel glad to be alive and part of her world.
More fearless, talented and beautiful than ever, Heather Horton is poised to become music royalty. She leaves us no doubt that life is meant to be grabbed by the horns and taken for the best damn ride possible. âTomorrow we are dust. Iâm ready to do this right now,â? she declares, and everyone who knows her knows it will undoubtedly happen. The only question is how soon.
Biography
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