Whatever Happened to Singer-Songwriter Bruce Hornsby?
What To Know
- Bruce Hornsby rose to fame in 1986 with the hit “The Way It Is” and won the Grammy for Best New Artist with his band, the Range.
- He became a respected collaborator and later explored jazz, bluegrass, and experimental music in his solo career.
- Now 71, Hornsby continues to release new music and tours with his band, the Noisemakers.
In 1986, Bruce Hornsby and the Range released the song “The Way It Is” and became an overnight sensation. The song went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most recognizable hits of the ’80s. So, what happened to the Grammy-winning singer, pianist, and songwriter after his biggest hit? Is he still around today?
Before becoming a star, he studied music at the University of Richmond, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Miami. After college, Hornsby played in local clubs, worked as a session musician, and spent time in Los Angeles, where he and his brother, John Hornsby, wrote songs for 20th Century Fox. He also played in Sheena Easton‘s touring band before his own career took off.
His breakthrough came with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, the band he formed in the mid-’80s. Their debut album, The Way It Is, came out in 1986 and quickly made Hornsby one of the most recognizable new artists of the era. The title track became his signature song, while “Mandolin Rain” also became a major hit. In 1987, Bruce Hornsby and the Range won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, beating out Glass Tiger, Nu Shooz, Simply Red, and Timbuk3.
Everett Collection
The Range followed with Scenes from the Southside in 1988 and A Night on the Town in 1990. He also became a highly respected collaborator, co-writing and playing piano on Don Henley‘s “The End of the Innocence” and playing piano on Bonnie Raitt‘s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” One of the biggest turns in Hornsby’s career came through the Grateful Dead. After keyboardist Brent Mydland died in 1990, Hornsby began playing with the band regularly and became part of their touring lineup from 1990 into 1992.
Everett Collection
After the Range ended, Hornsby released solo albums including Harbor Lights in 1993, Hot House in 1995, and Spirit Trail in 1998. These records leaned more heavily into jazz, folk, bluegrass, and experimental arrangements, and featured collaborators such as Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis, Jerry Garcia, Phil Collins, and Raitt. Hornsby won another Grammy in the ’90s for the instrumental “Barcelona Mona,” adding to earlier wins for Best New Artist and Best Bluegrass Recording.
Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music
In the years that followed, he toured with Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, made bluegrass music with Ricky Skaggs, recorded a jazz trio album with Christian McBride and Jack DeJohnette, and composed music for Spike Lee projects. He also worked with Bon Iver and was introduced to a new generation of artists. Hornsby, now 71, released Indigo Park on April 3, 2026, a reflective album featuring collaborators including Bonnie Raitt, the late Bob Weir, Blake Mills, Pino Palladino, and Chris Dave. He is also still touring with the Noisemakers in 2026, with shows built around both his new music and material from across his long career.
Tell us in the comments what your favorite Bruce Hornsby song is.
Remind 
’80s Where Are They Now
March 2023
Who can forget all the great TV shows, movies and music of the ‘80s? See what your favs are up to now!
Buy This Issue