Bonnie Hayes

Bonnie Hayes is a celebrated songwriter, singer, and record producer, currently serving as the Chair of the Songwriting Department at Berklee College of Music. Renowned for her hit songs "Have A Heart" and "Love Letter," which played a pivotal role in Bonnie Raitt's resurgence to fame with the Grammy-winning album Nick of Time, Hayes has also seen her work covered by various artists, including Bette Midler and Huey Lewis and the News. Her musical journey began with her first record on LA's Slash label, which produced the college radio hit "Shelly's Boyfriend" and the popular track "Girls Like Me" featured in the cult classic film Valley Girl. Beyond songwriting, Bonnie has toured as a keyboardist and backup singer with iconic musicians such as Billy Idol and Bruce Springsteen. An early adopter of digital recording technology, she has produced records for numerous blues and Americana artists at her studio, Tone Palace. At Berklee, she continues to inspire aspiring songwriters through her innovative curriculum while actively writing and recording new music.