Bonnie Guitar and Her Hit “Dark Moon”

Bonnie Guitar was one of the earliest female artists to successfully bridge the gap between country and pop. Her 1957 hit “Dark Moon” stood out in a male-dominated industry and paved the way for future crossover stars. Although she is often remembered for just that one song, her work as a session guitarist, record producer, and label co-founder reveals a deeper contribution to American music.

Stage Name	Bonnie Guitar
Birth Name	Bonnie Buckingham
Date of Birth	March 25, 1923
Place of Birth	Seattle, Washington, USA
Genres	Country, Pop, Rockabilly
Main Labels	Fabor, Dot, Dolton, Charter
Notable Hit	“Dark Moon” (1957)
Top Chart Achievement	#6 Pop / #15 Country for “Dark Moon”
Other Achievements	Top Female Vocalist – Academy of Country Music (1966)
Industry Roles	Session guitarist, label founder, producer, singer
Final Years	Lived in Soap Lake, WA; retired in 1996; active again in 2014

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born Bonnie Buckingham on March 25, 1923, in Seattle, Washington, she began playing guitar as a teenager. Music became a passion early in life. She wrote songs, developed her guitar skills, and became determined to work in the recording industry.

By the early 1950s, she moved to Los Angeles. There, she found steady work as a session guitarist, recording for smaller labels like Abbott, Fabor, and Radio Recorders. Her skill with the guitar earned her the nickname “Bonnie Guitar.” She worked with artists such as Jim Reeves, Ned Miller, Dorsey Burnette, and the DeCastro Sisters. While she thrived behind the scenes, she still hoped for a solo career of her own.

The Breakthrough with “Dark Moon”

 

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In 1956, Guitar released her first single, “If You See My Love Dancing,” on Fabor Records. But real change came when she heard Dorsey Burnette’s demo of “Dark Moon.” Label head Fabor Robison wasn’t happy with Burnette’s version. Guitar asked for the chance to record it herself, offering to waive her fees if she could have the song.

The gamble worked. Released in 1957 by Dot Records, “Dark Moon” became a major crossover hit. It reached #6 on the Billboard pop chart and #15 on the country chart. The song’s moody melody and Guitar’s soft, haunting delivery struck a chord with audiences nationwide.

At the time, it was rare for a female artist to chart so high in both genres. Only Patsy Cline had achieved similar success, with “Walkin’ After Midnight” that same year.

The Struggle to Follow Up

After “Dark Moon,” Guitar released several follow-up singles. “Mr. Fire Eyes” came closest to success, reaching #71 on the pop chart and matching her previous country chart peak at #15. However, subsequent songs didn’t catch on. By the late 1950s, Dot Records ended her contract.

She returned to Washington and shifted her focus from performing to the business side of music.

Dolton Records and Behind-the-Scenes Success

In 1959, Bonnie partnered with Bob Reisdorff, a refrigerator salesman, to form Dolphin Records. The name soon changed to Dolton Records. This small label would go on to sign major acts like The Fleetwoods and The Ventures.

• The Fleetwoods scored two #1 hits with “Come Softly to Me” and “Mr. Blue.”

• The Ventures released the instrumental classic “Walk, Don’t Run.”

Although Guitar released her own singles like “Candy Apple Red” and “Born to Be With You,” her artists’ success soon eclipsed her own. Despite that, her role as producer and label head was groundbreaking. Few women at the time held such positions in the music business.

Return to Dot and Country Music

In the early 1960s, Bonnie rejoined Dot Records and focused more heavily on country music. Her style had shifted—less crossover and more traditional country. She also recorded for other labels, including Charter Records.

Between 1966 and 1969, Guitar returned to the charts with a series of country hits:

• “I’m Living in Two Worlds” (1966) – Reached #9

• “A Woman in Love” (1967) – Her highest-charting country single at #4

• “I Believe in Love” (1968) – Reached #10

• “A Truer Love You’ll Never Find (Like Mine)” (1969, duet with Buddy Killen) – Modest chart performance

In 1966, she was named Top Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music. It was a rare recognition for a woman who worked both behind the scenes and on stage.

Later Career and Retirement

Though the hits slowed, Guitar continued recording through the 1970s and into the 1980s. In 1980, she released the minor hit “Honey on the Moon.” She stepped away from music in 1996, officially retiring after decades in the industry.

However, she didn’t disappear entirely. In the 2000s, she began writing and producing again. In 2014, at age 91, she performed live, proving her enduring connection to music.

Musical Legacy

Bonnie Guitar was much more than a one-hit wonder. As a guitarist, she contributed to many records. As a label founder, she discovered and promoted major acts. As a female country-pop artist, she broke barriers and earned her place in history.

Her influence remains in the form of songs that continue to find audiences, especially “Dark Moon,” which is still featured on oldies playlists and retro collections.

Bonnie Guitar Discography Highlights