Debbie Bond

Live at the Song Theater

Blues Roots Productions

Debbie Bond was born in California, but moved to Europe and later to  West Africa with her family. At age thirteen she had her first performance in Sierra Leone. In her early twenties she returned to the U.S. and started playing the juke joints, blues clubs, and festivals in the backwoods of  Alabama. In the early 1980’s she joined forces with blues legend Johnny Shines, who mentored Bond during the last decade of his life. Bond went  on to work with Eddie Kirkland, Little Jimmy Reed, and others. Bond’s  biggest influence was Alabama bluesman Willie King, and she toured with him in the U.S. and Europe until his passing in 2009. Now a blues  musician in her own right she is deeply influenced by the famed sounds of Muscle Shoals. Bond’s collaboration with British born keyboard,  harmonica player, and husband “Radiator” Rick Asherson, has added a swampy New Orleans edge to her sound. Bond is a blues activist and founder of the Alabama Blues Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the state’s blues heritage. Bond is the  recipient of numerous awards, including a KBA from the Blues Foundation, and recognition from the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Bond was most  recently nominated for the UK Blues Federation’s 2023 “Best International Blues Act”. Bond, guitar and vocals; is joined by Asherson, keyboards and harmonica; “Magic” Sam Williams on saxophone, and Marcus “Jukeman”  Lee on drums.

Bond opens with “That Thing Called Love”, the title track from an earlier album as she sings “Love is a power, you can’t explain, a mystery and magic, so simple and plain”. Bond’s voice is supple and soulful, as  Williams wails away on his sax. “Road Song” has got a rolling vibe as  Bond chimes “this old road don’t own me, still got a long way to go”.

“Watch Out For Your Heart” is a torch song with some sexy sax from  “Magic” Sam Williams as Bond chants “he’ll tell you that he loves you, swear his love is true, but don’t turn your back on him, I know what he’ll do”. “Let Me Be” is an upbeat R n’ B tune as Bond cries “the path to freedom, ain’t down this road, got to leave you far behind, lighten up my load”.

On a cover written by John Ellison and first recorded by the “Soul  Brothers Six” in 1967, and further popularized by Grand Funk Railroad in 1974, Bond shouts “me and my baby were so tight, don’t you know that he is, he’s some kind of wonderful?”. “Winds of Change” is a look at life as Bond belts out “don’t you feel the winds of change, blowin’ in the wrong direction”.

“Been Around A Long Time” is a cover of a song written by Delbert  McClinton, Glen Clark, and Gary Nicholson, that appeared on the  2013 album “Blind, Crippled & Crazy” as Bond chirps “I ain’t old, but  I’ve been around a long time”. “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down”, credited to Edward Randle was sung by Ann Peebles in 1972, “You’ve been playing playboy, a little bit too long, gonna’ tear your playhouse down”.

“Going Back” is a rollicking taste of New Orleans as Bond howls “we’re  gonna’ dance all night long, to a zydeco beat and a two-stepping Cajun song”. “Nothing But The Blues” is a commentary on the contradictions of life “you claim you’re killing for peace, to set people free, but people  are dying is all we can see”.  “Wishbone” is a bluesy shuffle with Asherson on harp as Bond laments “Don’t take no xray vision it’s plain to see, got a wishbone where my  backbone should be”. On the closer “Blues Without Borders”, a heartfelt  plea for peace, love and understanding Bond croons “the whole round  world’s in trouble, got to find our common ground, come together people  or we won’t even be around”.

Debbie Bond’s “Live at the Song Theater” is a testament to her  achievements and an indication that there are many more joyful miles ahead on Bond’s long and winding musical road through the land of the blues”.

Richard Ludmerer

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included