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Officials Pay Tribute to Washingtonian Known For Songwriting

A well known musical performer who lives in Soap Lake was honored this week, as she celebrated her 91st birthday. Born in 1923 in Seattle as Bonnie Buckingham, Bonnie Guitar received recognition from the state of Washington for her musical accomplishments. Mayor Raymond Gravelle was one of those who paid tribute. He named the day as "Bonnie Guitar Day.”

Resolutions were read that had been passed by the Washington State House and Senate acknowledging Bonnie, a Washingtonian, for her accomplishments. She became one of the first female Country Music singers to have songs crossover from the Country charts to the Pop charts, and have hits on both.

Bonnie also worked as a as professional guitarist as she ended up playing on sessions for many well-known singers, like Jim Reeves. She also co-founded the record company Dolton Records in the late 50s, that launched the careers of the Fleetwoods,and the Ventures.

Steve was part of the Spokane Public Radio family for many years before he came on air in 1999. His wife, Laurie, produced Radio Ethiopia in the late 1980s through the '90s, and Steve used to “lurk in the shadowy world” of Weekend SPR. Steve has done various on air shifts at the station, including nearly 15 years as the local Morning Edition host. Currently, he is the voice of local weather and news during All Things Considerd, writing, editing, producing and/or delivering newscasts and features for both KPBX and KSFC. Aside from SPR, Steve ,who lives in the country, enjoys gardening, chickens, playing and listening to music, astronomy, photography, sports cars and camping.
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