*ARTIST PROFILE* Bonita Burney Simmons Not just a Singer, but a Singer with a Message At the age of twelve, Bonita formed the group known as “Tried by Fire” and launched her musical career. In the course of over 3 decades of music ministry, Bonita has had over twenty years of professional vocal training. She has opened concerts for such gospel great as; Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, John P. Kee, Albertina Walker, The Williams Brothers, The Winans, Timothy Wright, along with many other outstanding groups and choirs. Bonita has appeared and won first place on numerous occasions at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York City. Other television credits include a NBC television documentary on Black Gospel Music in which she was spotlighted along with The Winans’ Family and M.C. Hammer. Her greatest musical accomplishments has been singing before women who are presently incarcerated and both men and women who are mentally and emotionally challenged. Bonita believes if she doesn’t go, who will! Her personal appearances draw diverse audiences in size and denominations in churches, auditoriums and civic centers where she transforms concerts into revivals. Many words could be used to describe a singer’s talent, style, and ability, but there are no words to adequately describe Bonita; except to say that she has a special gift and anointing from God.