United States 
Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
1 week ago
Gary U.S. Bonds began his career influencing a generation with his vibrant rock 'n' roll hits, evolving into a celebrated artist with successful collaborations and continued touring.
Bruce Springsteen played a significant role in reviving Gary U.S. Bonds' career in the early 1980s by frequently performing Bonds' song 'Quarter to Three' in his concerts. This led to a direct collaboration on Bonds' albums 'Dedication' (1981) and 'On the Line' (1982), which also involved Steven Van Zandt and other members of the E Street Band.
Steven Van Zandt collaborated with Gary U.S. Bonds on his comeback albums 'Dedication' (1981) and 'On the Line' (1982), co-writing and producing alongside Bruce Springsteen. Their partnership was instrumental in the resurgence of Bonds' career.
Gary U.S. Bonds had a collaboration with Neil Sedaka during the 1980s, where Sedaka expressed interest in recording 'New Orleans.' Bonds also had a voice role in Neil Sedaka: New Orleans music video.
Gary U.S. Bonds has collaborated with Southside Johnny, featuring on his album 'Pills and Ammo' in 2010 for the song 'Umbrella in My Drink'. Southside Johnny also made a guest appearance on Bonds' 2004 album 'Back in 20'.
Gary U.S. Bonds established a songwriting partnership with Gary Anderson (implicitly referring to his birth name or a confusion in the source, but meaning Gary U.S. Bonds himself) and Jerry Williams, Jr. that resulted in the R&B chart hits, and gained a 'Songwriter of the Year' nomination at the Country Music Association for the song 'Friend Don't Take Her, She's All I've Got,' which was a hit for Johnny Paycheck.
In 2009, Gary U.S. Bonds toured the UK as a special guest with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, performing with the acclaimed group.
Gary U.S. Bonds is recognized as a 'favorite son' of the Blues Brothers and appeared in the movie 'Blues Brothers 2000,' performing his classic 'New Orleans' alongside numerous music legends.
Born Gary Levone Anderson in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1939, Gary U.S. Bonds spent his formative years in Virginia, where he honed his vocal talents in a church choir and with a local group called The Turks. His career took a pivotal turn in 1960 when Frank Guida, owner of Legrand Records, discovered his potential. Under Guida’s guidance, and with the strategic rebranding as “Gary U.S. Bonds” to evoke government bond advertisements, he released his debut hit “New Orleans.” This was quickly followed by the iconic number-one single “Quarter to Three” in 1961, a track that would later be recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.” He continued to achieve success with a string of top-ten hits throughout the early 1960s, including “School Is Out,” “School Is In,” “Dear Lady Twist,” and “Twist, Twist Senora.”
After a period of recording and performing where his songs did not consistently chart, Bonds experienced a significant career resurgence in the early 1980s. This revival was spurred by Bruce Springsteen, who frequently featured “Quarter to Three” in his concerts. This connection led to a collaboration with Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band, resulting in the albums “Dedication” (1981) and “On the Line” (1982). These albums produced several successful singles, including “This Little Girl” which reached No. 11 on the pop chart, “Jolé Blon,” and “Out of Work.” Bonds’ career further expanded to include songwriting for other artists, earning a Country Music Association’s “Songwriter of the Year” nomination for Johnny Paycheck’s “Friend Don’t Take Her, She’s All I’ve Got.” He has also showcased his talents in film, appearing in “Blues Brothers 2000” (1998) and contributing soundtrack material to various movies and television shows.
Bonds has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being an honoree of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and an inductee into The Long Island Music Hall of Fame. He released the critically acclaimed album “Back in 20” in 2004, featuring guest appearances from Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Dickey Betts, and Phoebe Snow, which won The Blues Foundation’s WC Handy Award for “Comeback Album of the Year.” In 2009, he released “Let Them Talk” and embarked on a UK tour with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. Beyond music, Bonds is also an accomplished golfer, having won the Chrysler Cup twice with legends Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez. His memoir, “By U.S. Bonds – That’s my Story,” published in 2020, offers a personal account of his journey in the music industry. He continues to actively perform with his band, the Roadhouse Rockers.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
