Jill Paone Simmons

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, and 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 sings a mix of jazz standards, soul and blues tunes and rock classics as a duo or trio, typically with John “Junkman” Burgh on keys.  Jill loves performing her ever-widening repertoire. You might hear an awesome version of  "Bridge Over Troubled Water," a playful "Ooh Papa Doo," a rockin' "Chain of Fools" or a new Bonnie Raitt favorite, "Gnawin' On It." 

Jill also sings regularly with Bill Toms and Hard Rain, adding an extra dimension to this outstanding original roots rock band featuring some of Pittsburgh’s best musicians.  Jill sings backup on several of Toms’ originals, including her favorite from his This Old World CD, "Born on the Streets of Heartache” and tunes from Toms’ latest release, West End Kid.

In 2005, Jill joined New York City singer/songwriter Willie Nile on stage during a tour of Spain.  Jill and Willie wowed the Spanish crowds with his hard-driving, audience-grabbing originial tunes like “Heaven Help the Lonely” and “You Gotta Be a Buddah” and the classic “I Wanna Be Sedated.”

Jill has also contributed her voice and creativity to recording for several other local musicians including Tom Breiding, Jill West and John Vento.  Her knack for harmonies makes her a natural session singer. 

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