Supreme. Heavenly. Soulful. Passionate. Angelic. Gifted. Beautiful. Those are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Angela Bofill. An extremely talented singer, songwriter, and musician, Bofill was one of the best vocalists to enter the music scene in the late 1970s. Combining Latin rhythms with Jazz, R&B/Soul, Dance, and Pop, she created a hypnotic sound and style that set her apart from her peers and has rarely, if ever, been rivaled.
From her first release Angie (1978) to her most recent release, Live From Manila(2006), it’s evident that Bofill gives her all with each and every performance. Though technically gifted vocally, Bofill’s emotion always rings true, especially on poignant, heartfelt ballads like “I Try,” “I’m On Your Side,” “Gotta Make It Up To You,” “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter,” “Tonight I Give In,” “Time To Say Goodbye” and “Still In Love” (which was beautifully remade by Vanessa Williams on her 1991 album The Comfort Zone). Like any versatile performer, Bofill can get down with the best on percussion driven, mid- and up-tempo grooves like “Too Tough,” “Something About You,” “Angel Of The Night,” “Love You Too Much,” and “Is This A Dream.”
Bofill has faced some challenges in recent years, suffering two massive strokes in 2006 and 2007—which left her unable to speak, sing, or walk—and fighting depression. After years of speech and physical therapy, Bofill is speaking, walking, and playing music again. In 2010, Bofill began telling the story of her life and career with The Angela Bofill Experience. This critically acclaimed tour has featured vocalists Maysa, Phil Perry, Melba Moore, Jeanie Tracy, Grammy winning flautist Dave Valentin, and Bofill’s original band. It’s provided an excellent way for Angela Bofill to reconnect with her fans (and make new ones).
One thing Bofill hasn’t done publicly yet is sing. But we hope and pray that as her health continues to improve that we will be blessed to hear that beautiful voice again. But if not, we are quite happy with the catalog of music she’s recorded. Given the circumstances, Bofill has remained steadfast, faithful, and strong. She’s a fighter. And a legend.
Bofill was recently featured in season 6 of TVOne’s “Unsung” series.