Angela Bofill: Remembering the Life and Legacy of a Music Icon

By 

Devisadaria Duchine-Khauli

23 June 2024

The Beginning

On June 28, 2024, family, friends, and fans of the late Angela Bofill will gather at St. Dominic’s Church in Benicia, CA at 1:00 p.m., to pay their final respects to the beloved singer.

The singer passed away on 13 June 2024. Angela Bofill's journey began on 3 May 1954, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a musical family, Bofill was exposed to various genres of music from a young age. Her Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage influenced her unique sound, which seamlessly blended elements of jazz, R&B, and Latin music.

Mainstream Success

Bofill's extraordinary talent caught the attention of the legendary Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen, leading to her signing with GRP Records in the late 1970s. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her successful career in the music industry. Her debut album, Angie, released in November of 1978, propelled her to stardom with hits like and This Time I’ll Be Sweeter and my personal favorite from the album, Under the Moon and Over the Sky. Bofill's soulful voice and powerful lyrics resonated with fans around the world, establishing her as a prominent figure in the music landscape.

Making the Charts

Beginning with her first album, Bofill achieved significant success with six of eleven albums entering the Top 40 of the Billboard R&B charts. These are Angie (1978), Angel of the Night (1979), Something About You (1981), Too Tough (1983), Teaser (1983), and Let Me Be the One (1984). Excluding Angie, the other five made it into the Top 100 of the pop charts.

Her career included seven Top 40 R&B singles, such as Angel of the Night (1979), Too Tough (1983), This Time I'll Be Sweeter (1978), I Try (1983), Something About You (1981), Break It to Me Gently (1983), and Let Me Be the One (1984).

Angela the Songwriter

Not only was Bofill known for her remarkable vocal abilities, but she was also a talented songwriter. Her compositions often reflected her personal experiences and emotions, adding a deeply personal touch to her music.

During an interview, she revealed that she wrote the song, I Try when she was 16 years old and crushing on a guy. It was covered by Will Downing for his album A Dream Fulfilled (1991). While it may not have achieved the same level of mainstream commercial success as Bofill's version, Downing's version was well-received and appreciated by fans of contemporary and smooth jazz.

Bofill's authenticity and vulnerability endeared her to her audience, further strengthening the connection between her and her fans. In 2023, Bofill was inducted into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Later Health

In 2006, Bofill faced a major health setback when she suffered a stroke, followed by another in 2007. Despite the challenges she encountered, her resilience and determination inspired many. Her unwavering spirit became a source of motivation for those facing similar obstacles.

In Conclusion

Angela Bofill's music will forever remain a testament to her artistry and passion. As many around the world celebrate her life and mourn her passing, many will find solace in knowing that her music will live on, while inspiring and comforting listeners, transcending borders and cultures, and uniting people through the universal language of music.

Service for Angela Bofill will be held at:

St. Dominic’s

475 East I Street

Benicia, CA 94510

The service can also be viewed via YouTube