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As a vocalist, Jill Paone Simmons might be called a jack of all trades. She is as comfortable singing a prayerful Ave Maria in church as she is belting out blues tunes in smoky neighborhood bars. Whatever the gig, whatever the song, Jill will sing it with passion, and knock your socks off with her range and power. Raised on oldies-station doo-wop, Jill began singing at an early age. She started in musicals, then sang semi-classical music in a cappella choirs. She has been performing at wedding ceremonies since she was 15. Jill owes her obsession with blues music to Eric Clapton and Pittsburgh radio station WYEP-FM. When the station aired Clapton’s version of "Tore Down," the fire ignited and has been burning ever since.

Her hunger to know more led her to Bonnie Raitt, Joanna Connor, Etta James and other legendary blues artists, both contemporary and traditional. Soon, Jill was hanging out at Excuses on the South Side, eager to join the bar’s Thursday-night jam sessions. The crowds adored her as much as she adored them.

Jill has since served as vocalist for a variety of blues, rock and gospel bands. She now sings a mix of jazz standards, soul and blues tunes and rock classics with Soiree, which performs at upscale weddings and social events. The group has begun branching out to clubs, where Jill’s vocal strengths can be showcased to the public.

Jill loves performing the band’s ever-widening repertoire. You might hear an awesome version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," a playful "Ooh Papa Doo," a rockin' "Respect" or a new Bonnie Raitt favorite, "Gnawin' On It." As a "semi-member" of Bill Toms and Hard Rain, Jill sings backup on several of Toms’ originals, including her favorite from his This Old World CD, "Born on the Streets of Heartache."

Jill also teaches vocal skills and choral singing to adults with physical and developmental disabilities at Civic Light Opera Academy and Community College of Allegheny County. She's married to Jeff "Joffo" Simmons, drummer for legendary Pittsburgh-based band the Houserockers. She credits her husband with teaching her "everything" she knows about rock ‘n’ roll.

Jill simply loves music and is thankful for every chance she gets to share her God-given talent (no other explanation!) with friends, family and anyone who wants to listen.

Reviews

Music Samples

	Entire song
Grow Old With Me
Born on the Streets of Heartache
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
Gnawin' On It

Bookings

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412-977-6935
TRcreativeservices@yahoo.com