Angela Bofill befriended me. We became genuine friends
because she was a sincere and loving human being. I was extremely enthusiastic to
be her super fan and she was always inviting me backstage after the show. Fate
placed her in my life repeatedly from 1979 until 2002.
My memory takes me back to 1978 in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the Musicland record store in the mall. I loved going through the new releases and seeing album covers featuring artists I did not know. On one such day in early November, I saw Angela Bofill's debut album titled ‘Angie.’ I was immediately intoxicated with the beautiful and exotic album cover and song titles such as ‘Under the Moon and Over the Sky’ and ‘Children of the World,’ I was certain the music would be to my taste.
I took the plunge and purchased the LP, then put it on the turntable the moment I got home. When the first notes began playing, I knew I had discovered something special. I had not heard music like this before. At only 20 years old, I was not yet worldly. I played that album repeatedly and memorized all the songs. Angela Bofill became my new favorite artist of all time.
By 1979, I had relocated to Dayton, Ohio. News spread that Angela Bofill’s second album, ‘Angel of the Night,’ would be released on October 10. The title alone was provocative, and the album cover was exotic again, with Angie looking gorgeous in some kind of desert night fantasy.
This time, I knew what I was getting and
loved this album even more than the first one. Needless to say, I played this
album incessantly and eventually had to get a replacement copy.
1979 was the magical year when I saw Angela perform in concert and met her for the first time. The concert took place in a theater in Dayton. I don't remember who headlined because Angela opened the show.
After
her magnificent performance, her manager easily allowed me to meet her in her
dressing room. We had an instant bond. I had never experienced anything like
this before. How did a corn-fed Nebraskan relate to a Bronx-born and raised
girl? The answer is magic. It's meant to be.
Angela was touring a lot in those days, and she returned to Dayton and Cincinnati three more times that year. I always enjoyed her performances and adored meetings with her backstage after each show.
My life
took me to Dallas in 1980, and one of the first people I saw in concert there
was Angela Bofill. She was surprised to see me in Texas but also pleased.
Angela played in Texas as much as she had played in Ohio, giving me numerous
opportunities to see her over several years. I eventually met her mother, whom
I adored as well. We would now meet before shows, go for meals, and really get
to know one another.
I had a brief opportunity to photograph Angela in 2001 while she was performing in Fort Worth. By the time we took the photos the sun had already gone down, so my photos are taken with a fill flash. This shot below was used on the TV show 'Unsung' when they featured Angie's story.
I had never met anyone like her before or since. I last spent time with her in Los Angeles in 2002. Just a few years later she would suffer two devastating strokes that ended her performing career.
The world is a much better place because our Angel of the Night
was here. She created some of the most beautiful music heard anywhere. I feel
immensely blessed to have known the heart of this talented artist.
Here is Angela Bofill's biography-
Angela Bofill was a renowned American singer-songwriter who made significant contributions to the world of R&B and jazz music. Born on May 2, 1954, in the Bronx, New York, Angela displayed her passion for music from a young age. She began singing in her church choir, nurturing her soulful voice, and developing her innate musical talent. In the late 1970s, Angela signed with GRP/Arista Records and released her debut album, "Angie" in 1978. The album showcased her impressive vocal range and unique blend of R&B, jazz, and Latin influences. The single "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" from her sophomore album, "Angel of the Night" (1979), became a chart-topping hit, solidifying her position as a rising star in the music industry. Throughout the 1980s, Angela continued to release successful albums, including "Something About You" (1981) and "Too Tough" (1983). Her music resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her a dedicated fan base. She made a comeback with the release of her album "Intuition" in 1988. Angela's music continued to captivate audiences even after her health struggles. She released several albums in the following years, including "Love in Slow Motion" (1996) and "I Try: The Anthology 1978-1993" (2007), which showcased her versatility and enduring talent. Angela Bofill's contributions to the music industry are undeniable. Her rich, velvety voice, combined with her ability to infuse various genres, cemented her as an influential figure in R&B and jazz music. Angela's passion for music never wavered, and she remains an inspiration to aspiring artists and fans alike. Her legacy continues to live on, reminding us of the timeless power of her music. Angela passed away on June 13, 2024.
