GoFundMe page set up to benefit music legend Bonnie Guitar

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake resident Bonnie Guitar is a legend in more ways than one. The storied performer’s career has spanned over 60 years and reached thousands of people along the way. With Guitar’s medical costs proving to be costly a GoFundMe page has been set up to aid her and her family cover the costs.

Guitar, who was born in Seattle in 1923, was first recruited to be a session musician at a studio in Hollywood in the early 1950s. That career decision let to the recording of Guitar’s first hit “Dark Moon,” which would go on to hit No. 14 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reach No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

She started her own record label, initially called Dolphin Records but later renamed Dolton Records, in Seattle in 1958. The label was discontinued in 1967, but not before years of accomplishments and recognition thanks to the success of groups like The Fleetwoods and The Ventures. Guitar continued playing music, releasing records and playing shows over the years however.

Guitar lives in Soap Lake and at 95 is getting up there in age, but that has never stopped her from performing at various local venues over the past few years. Guitar is currently plagued by various health problems, including congestive heart failure, which is costing over $5,000 a month in medical costs to ensure she gets proper care.

The GoFundMe page has been set up help Guitar and her family cover the medical costs and has a goal of raising $75,000 when all is said and done.

“Bonnie Guitar has spent a lifetime as an entertainer. She was always so proud of how she never missed a show even when ill! If you are a fan of Bonnie’s music this is a great way to give back to someone who has given so much in her long life,” reads a statement on the GoFundMe page.

To donate to the cause visit www.gofundme.com/bonnie-guitar.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at rbyrd@columbiabasinherald.com.