It’s difficult to place Cathy Bolton’s music into one particular genre. Singer-Songwriter – International Recording Artist with an easy listening style that crosses Folk with Country, light Pop with a little blues, and Irish folk flavor. Having organized and worked with bands in the past, her solo career is what has gained her the most recognition, the largest audiences, and 8 recordings.
Her performances include selections of her own material, along with songs that she has recorded, and performs by John Denver, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary and others. Stories and humorous experiences weave her songs together for an evening that you won’t long forget.
Cathy is booked in venues for concerts,coffee houses, private home concerts, and church services traveling around the U.S. and Canada.
Her music has also taken her to Australia, The Netherlands and Germany.
Cathy's dear friend, the late, Great Dennis Weaver composed a poem many years ago to which Cathy set to music in 2006. She titled it DREAM YOUR EAGLE and placed in on her ANGELS and EAGLES album. It is currently receiving radio airplay and was presented as consideration for a 51st annual Grammy Award, in 2009. The following link is a wonderful journey of Dennis' film career, accompanied by this song. Click on "musical tribute to Dennis" for a heartwarming experience. www.dennisweaver.com
Songwriting projects include compostions on each of her 8 music albums, a track composed for a children’s DVD and for an author’s website upon the release of that author's published book. Cathy's most recent composition submission was for Eckhart Tolle and Robert Friedman’s movie based on their children’s book titled Milton’s Secret, An Adventure of Discovery Through the Power of Then, When and Now.
Windham Hill included four of Cathy’s Inspirational selections of music on two collaboration albums, along with pieces by Yanni, George Winston, and Jim Brickman.
It's every performers dream to OPEN IN CONCERT for a major recording artist and that dream came true for Cathy in 1996 with openings for internationally acclaimed recording artists, Toby Keith and the late, great Dan Seals. With travel to Nashville, in the early days of her career she performed at the renowned Bluebird Café.
Cathy served as the Music Director for the Conversations with God Foundation, having worked with author Neale Donald Walsch for the past 13 years. She provides music for Spiritual Retreats facilitated by Neale, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the CwG Foundation in Ashland, OR.
"The largest reason that I continue to deliver my gift of music is to touch HEARTS and LIVES in a profound way. It is always my intention that the words from the songs that I write, and sing - either my own or another songwriter's masterpieces - and the vibration of my voice strike a chord in you, so that it can change that moment, your day, or even your life because of that vibration. It is my intention to "serve" in this way. May the songs that you hear in a live performance or in my recordings make a difference for you. Thank you for allowing me such a bless-ed opportunity!"
The late, Great Dennis Weaver – actor, author, and friend said: “Cathy is an angel whose music speaks to your heart, and sings to your soul.”
Neale Donald Walsch, author and friend says about her: “The joy, the love, the gentle wisdom, and the deep insight that Cathy and her music bring to the space produces the miracle called Healing. There is no “thank you” large enough to embrace the enormity of that gift. I’m always humbled and inspired by her.
Cathy started singing when she was 6 years old. She always felt drawn to music and the joy that it brought to the hearts and lives of others. The fulfillment she felt singing from her heart, and soul was immeasurable. As she grew, learning guitar in her early teens came easily.
"I still remember what it felt like, at the age of 13, to step up onto the stage, and perform for the public. Although I had performed at the age of 6, being nervous was not something I experienced as a child. Somehow, upon passage from childhood to the teen-age years the importance of 'what others think and how they respond' become incredibly important. I was SO nervous, I was sure that everyone in the crowd could see my knees knocking together. Despite the nervousness, I was absolutely certain performing was something that I would choose as part of my musical career."
Solo performances kicked off her musical career and by the age of 19, performances with pop/rock and country/rock groups became a large part of assisting her in moving her career forward.
Born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, she is number 5 out of 6 children.
At the age of 6, she debuted as a performer for the very first time, as a third grade teacher , Mrs. Payne, took her from her first grade classroom and invited her to sing to the second and third grade classrooms, her two biggest hits at that time, the "Alphabet Song" and "Wooden Heart" in French (a song she learned from her French Grandmother).
At the age of 13, public performances started to increase, from mini concerts for her peers, to wedding ceremonies and memorial services for family and friends.
Having completed high school, and moving "out into the world", Moorhead, Minnesota became home for the next 11 months. It so happened, the Ramada Inn was opening a new cabaret lounge. Having built a repertoire of her favorite contemporary folk, pop and country songs, she welcomed the opportunity to begin her solo career.
A teen-age girl's dream manifested as she joined a local pop/rock group. Musical selections included some of her favorites as performed by Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Seger, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Judy Collins, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
With marriage, followed by the birth of two incredible children, music continued to be a large part of her life, secondary only to her family.
Moving the family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, larger opportunities became available for all, including her musical career. At the time, rock and roll music of bands such as Heart, Pat Benatar, The Pretenders, and Scandal was the rage.
"I quickly realized that if I was going to sing, I would have to perform what was selling. At least until I became established in the business. I learned a great deal in the process -- from performing on stage to improving vocal strength. It was an exhilarating time of my life."
For 9 months, the band Pedestrian held her interest. Self managed, the band was more than ready to present their melodic sounds with great musicianship and hamonic vocals. With only two pubic appearances in that amount of time, and some of the members feeling the need to continue the rehearsing before more gigs could be had, Cathy became impatient with them, knowing this was not a way to gain exposure, or further a music career. She left the group, taking with her a key player to begin her first group, naming them Intuition. The band was very successful, performing in the Milwaukee and outlying communities every week-end for weddings and private parties for over three years.
Cathy's love of country music tempted her to leave Intuition and form the country/rock group of Long Shot. (Intuition replaced her and continued on successfully.) In the heart of the country music popularity, Long Shot's repertoire included songs by the then popular groups, and artists such as Highway 101, Pam Tillis, Reba McEntire, Lorrie Morgan, EmmyLou Harris, Bailey and the Boys, as well as some original tunes. Performing at the Wisconsin State Fair for 3 years, as well as the popular Hodag Festival in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, brought the band award nominated success.
"It was quite an honor to be nominated for Milwaukee's WAMMI AWARDS! Winning or not, being nominated speaks a great deal about performers."
When conflict of interests as to the type of music the band members desired to play, Cathy allowed them to follow their heart's desire as she continued to perform her heart's desire of country and folk music. Once again, her solo career seemed to be what would work best for her. Always maintaining that her performances kept her close to home so she could be with the family, her solo career continued to do the same.
As the solo work continued, the songwriting began to flow.
1993
The release of her first co-produced/self-distributed inspirational album Changes brings much joy and healing to the hearts and lives of many. The album project was recorded in Chicago with Steve Rashid as the Engineer for this project and award winning composer/musician/producer Ed Tossing.
1996
Her second album titled In the Garden was recorded, again, in Chicago, this time with Ed Tossing Engineering and, and co-producing. This album continued to please her audiences. Performances still remained on a local level so that her children could have Mom in their every day lives.
The opportunity to open in concert for Nashville recording artists, Dan Seals, and Toby Keith, presented larger audiences.
While performing for an audience in Milwaukee, prior to the lecture of Neale Donald Walsch, the author of Conversations with God, Cathy won the ears and heart of the world famed author. Neale and his wife, Nancy, invited her to travel with them and perform her inspirational music at his lectures and retreats around the country, Canada and Australia. With the children now being in their teen age years, the timing was divine, so accepting was easy.
Invited to perform at the Cleveland Whole Life Expo and to open with music prior to lectures by authors Debbie Ford, James Twyman, Echo Bodine, Doreen Virtue, and others broadened audience appeal. "My favorite meeting was with Dan Millman, author of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior (a must read!)
1998
Fans were ready for a new album. Cathy wanted this one to be songs that she performed of other songwriter's that were favorites of her listeners, and that they requested to have her recordings of, so went into Ed Tossing's studio in Chicago to co-produce, and record The Wind Beneath My Wings.
One of several honors bestowed was the gift of having two selections chosen for a Windham Hill/BMG Music album titled "Conversations with God - Disc 2". Among the talents of famed recording artists Yanni, George Winston, and Jim Brickman, Cathy's composition "Remember Who You Are" and her version of "Amazing Grace" are included in this incredible collection of music. CDs are available in major record stores throughout the country.
1999
In the fall, a letter arrived from a Korean record producer. Having heard Cathy's self-penned song, Remember Who You Are, she was offered use of it as a television theme song. She was asked to provide a full album, to be distributed once the television show is aired. This album will be distributed in Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A concert in Korea will follow distribution of the album.
2000
Performances continue for the Conversations with God spiritual retreats, along with singer/songwriter/recording artist Don Eaton. Released on Walsch Music label is Cathy and Don's album Songs from Conversations with God Spiritual Retreats. This project was engineered by the talented Jim Fischer in Vancouver, WA.
Cathy is offered the position of MUSIC DIRECTOR for THE CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD FOUNDATION. The retreats are held in various places around the country/world. For more information and a life changing experience go to www.cwg.org and click on 'retreats'.
Once again, the honor of being presented on a Windham Hill/BMG Music album occurs. Released in October of 2000, "Communion with God", includes another of Cathy's compositions "Namaste' (I Honor Thee)", and her rendition of "The Wind Beneath My Wings". The CD is available in major record stores throughout the country.
Easter Sunday April 23rd Cathy was invited to join authors James Twyman, Doreen Virtue and Gregg Braden to Joshua Tree Desert for the GREAT EXPERIMENT II - linking millions of people around the world in prayer and the energy being measured by Scientists to prove that everything IS energy and prayer is powerful. Cathy performed Amazing Grace among other selections.
2001
Album number 5 is created - Christmas Love (Oh the Christmas Tree). This one is an album of some of Cathy's favorite holiday songs. "Ave Maria is my absolute favorite on this album. I'm also very proud of the title track, Christmas Love (Oh the Christmas Tree). It is a friend's experience of the Christmas season, but I think many people can relate to the 'feeling' of the song. This album is engineered and co-produced by the incredibly gifted Jim Fischer in Vancouver, WA. Although I wrote the lyrics for Christmas Love, Jim wrote the music, so the song belongs to both of us. I guarantee you will really enjoy the production on this album, and my choice of songs!"
2002
Performances are many, as are the opportunities to continue to travel to some beautiful places, meeting beautiful people. Neale, Nancy, and some of the staff from The Conversations with God Foundation traveled to Australia where two retreats took place. Both were near Sydney. Cathy took advantage of being in Australia and visited with a friend in Melbourne after the retreats, and prior to returning to the states. "Australia is now my favorite place on this planet! The people are so wonderful, and the parts of the country that I saw were absolutely beautiful. I think one of the highlights of sites for me (besides the wallabees, Tazmanian Devil, Kangaroo crossing signs, and the wineries) was the Southern Cross - the incredible constellation of stars that can only be seen in that part of the world. Awesome!! How blessed I am!!"
Movie Producer and author, Stephen Simon (What Dreams May Come, Bill and Ted's Great Adventure w/Keanu Reeves, Somewhere in Time, Conversations with God - the movie, and others) toured the country with his new book, MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, Mystical Movie Messages That Inspire Our Lives. Cathy joined Stephen in Chicago and Milwaukee to provide music for his lectures.
2003
Album number 6, From The Heart, is recorded, and again, Engineer/co-producer Jim Fischer in Vancouver, WA. assists with the project. This album has 14 songs in all - 2 of which are Cathy's originals You Are Here Right Now, and From God to Me to You. Other songs include Imagine (John Lennon), Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World medley (arrangement by "Iz" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole who was from Hawaii), Put A Little Love in Your Heart, Colors of the Wind (theme from Pocahontas), One of Us, 3 John Denver songs Eagles and Horses, Andromeda(Welcome to My Morning), Seasons of the Heart, Come From the Heart, a song written by Karen Taylor-Good, Half Empty/Half Full, The Co-Dependency song, written by Michael Brown, and Only One of Us written by award winning composer Jerry Brunskill. "You will really like this one - I'm sure!!"
Wedding bells rang for Cathy and one of her first loves of 30 years ago. With their re-connection, Cathy and Tim were married on July 3rd of this year. "It's true that Love comes to those who wait. Sounds like a song to me!"
2004
Another busy year ahead! Life is grand, indeed!
2005
Life can change in the blink of an eye, or the beat of a heart. Although music continues to fill Cathy's life and those around her, the trajedy of Tim's death shook and shocked all! Tim made his transition on July 20th in a plane crash near Ft. Worth, Texas at the age of 52. "Grief is a process that is not an easy one for anyone to experience. Knowing the truth about Tim's life continuing in a different form, makes it a bit easier, however, no longer having him here in my physical presence is, by far, the most difficult experience in this lifetime. Thank GOD for the people in my life, and the music in my soul!"
2006
It has been a very difficult year, emotionally, however Cathy continues to deliver the Gift of Music she came into this lifetime to deliver. The spring of the year was the perfect time for Cathy to be in the studio with dear Friend and Maestro, Jim Fischer, to co-create album number 7. "This was a very healing project for me, and part of my Conscious Grieving." Having written 5 of the 14 songs on this album, the title track Angels and Eagles was a tribute to Tim, and Cathy's grief process around his physical absence. Included on this album is John Denver's The Wings That Fly Us Home, Dolly Parton's Eagle When She Flies, Rhonda Fleming and Don Schlitz's song Give Me Wings, along with You Raise Me Up, Wake Up and Dream written by award winning composer/engineer/musician Ed Tossing and Thom Bishop, a poem written by Cathy's dear friend, the late, great Dennis Weaver - Dream Your Eagle, and songs written by Cathy - the title track Angels and Eagles, In the Glow, and An Angel For the World. She re-recorded The Wind Beneath My Wings not only to fit the theme of Wings and Angels, but to change a line in the song from "I am nothing without you" to "I am more loved because of you". So far the word is from those who have purchased copies of this album that it is definitely some of Cathy's 'BEST' work.
Travels continue, more than ever now, as she uses her Gift to touch hearts and lives around the globe.
2007
A new year, and new adventures. Cathy is blessed with the opportunity to winter in Osprey, Florida, while performing a bit, and writing new material. New friends/old soul connections continue with the Creative Thought Center in Waynesville, North Carolina on the trip down to Florida, and again on the return trip. "My life continues to be blessed with all of the wonderful people that I have opportunities to connect with while on this journey of music and life. "
Invited to Ridgway Colorado to perform her song DREAM YOUR EAGLE-the poem written by dear friend, actor, author, human being extraordinaire Dennis Weaver, to which Cathy composed music for, was a huge honor. Dennis' beloved wife, Gerry, sons and daughter in law co-created a beautiful park with the land that Dennis and Gerry donated to the town of Ridgway for this Memorial Park. People came from all over the country to this wonderful event - to honor Dennis and Gerry and support the new park. Check out the this website to see the park, and hear the song: www.dennisweaver.com
The calendar continued to fill with wonderful opportunities to share her gift of music, bringing some new venues for Cathy, new places to visit, and new hearts to connect with. A trip to The Netherlands unfolded, as Cathy traveled abroad to co-write with composer, Erik Pleijsier, from TPO Studios in Rotterdam. www.tpostudios.nl Cathy and Erik recorded 3 songs and will return to the studio in the near future to compose, and record more songs for this album project.
While in The Netherlands Cathy joined author Neale Donald Walsch, his partner Em, and guests from various places around the world on a 7 day River Boat Cruise from Prague, Czech Republic to Berlin, Germany. (This was a Conversations with God Spiritual Retreat, for which Cathy provides music along with fellow musician, Don Eaton, (wwwsmall-change.org). This year marks 10 years of providing music for the retreats held in Ashland, OR and Black Mt., N.C. a few times throughout the year. www.cwg.org) "New friendships were made which added to my family while on the road!"
2008
Winter number 2 in Florida and the opportunity to continue to keep working, and connecting with hearts and lives, keeps the career moving forward. "I am so grateful to be out of the winter weather and to not have to be concerned about winter storms and gigs having to be cancelled."
DREAM YOUR EAGLE receives radio airplay, allowing it to be considered for a 51st annual Grammy Award Nomination. Although the song was not chosen to be nominated, it was an honor, just the same. People continue to love the song and ask for it at the shows.
2009
" This year marks the beginning of year number 17 of music assisting in making my living. Where DOES the time go? I am so truly blessed!"
Near the end of this year Cathy met Tuck Self - a self proclaimed Personal Growth Enthusiast and host of TUCK TALK RADIO - while performing a concert in Columbia SC. Tuck invited her to be a guest on her very popular internet radio show "THE REBEL BELLE" on THE VOICE AMERICA Talk Radio Network. http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=43458
2010
Cathy will continue songwriting - her focus being for television and movies, as well as live performances.
On March 27th of this year the five LARGEST U.S. FLAGS were unfurled at the FLORIDA STATE FAIR GROUNDS in TAMPA,FL. Cathy performed in concert and included GOD BLESS AMERICA, which will be included in her future recording of PATRIOTIC SONGS. (Release date in unknown at this point in time).
She will present a concert the evening of March 26th, prior to the morning of the FLAG DEDICATION. See APPEARANCE SCHEDULE for details.
Plans for a new recording project are in the works!!
Watch her performance schedule for bookings in your area, or book her for an event.
