Biography
Nathan Hefner has been charming audiences all over the east coast for more than 10
years with his dazzling repertoire of music encompassing nearly 70 years of musical
triumph. From the tranquil sounds of the early crooners to the edgier rockabilly of the
50's and 60's, when Hefner opens a number, his energy and vocal grace bring to life an
age that has passed us by--if only for the duration of a song.
The swinging brass of the big bands as well as the intimate sounds of the post W.W.II
era captivated young Hefner. His appreciation of the music led him to begin singing
publicly at age 3 and playing piano by age 5. Hefner was already performing for local
events and various civic organizations by the age of 11. He continued his solo
performing into high school where he met his collaborators in creating one of the area's
premiere swing and jazz groups.
In 1992, Hefner and three schoolmates (David Wortman, Melanie Barrett & Gene
Elliott ) formed Sentimental Journey. The group was well received by the local public
and performed constantly throughout '92 and '93. One of their more notable shows was
"Sentimental Journey- Reunion" performed in response to local interest generated
during a brief hiatus (Natalie Cannon had joined when Melanie Barrett was at college).
The four members parted ways after high school and the name lay dormant until '96
when Hefner created a new incarnation of Sentimental Journey-
this time as a trio (with Wes Powers and Audra Ratliff).
The group had yet to see it's greatest success. While
already enjoying popularity throughout the Southeast,
Hefner has a dream come true...In 1997, Sentimental
Journey opened for Hefner's idol, the legendary Patti Page.
That same year, the trio participated in the opening of
Harrah's Casino in Cherokee with a three-night run. In
1998, Sentimental Journey had the privilege of kicking
off the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, one of the three largest
such festivals in the US. The group also had a request
from Academy Award winning actress, Reese Witherspoon,
to be the exclusive entertainment for her Charleston, SC
wedding to Ryan Phillipe. Sentimental journey entertained
well and often until the latter months of 1999 when Hefner
formally dissolved the group.
Hefner's solo performing career has continued throughout. His many notable shows
include performances with the Smothers Brothers, The Lettermen, and Concord Jazz
artist Dennis Rowland. Hefner, along with Catherine Eason, also has headlined the
Grand Hyatt Ballroom in NYC. Hefner and Eason still team up occasionally, including
annual benefits that have been held in Charleston, SC and at Spirit Square in Charlotte,
NC--always drawing a packed house.
In 1999, Hefner teamed up with Atlanta singing personality, Lenny Stabile in what
would become one of his most successful ventures. The two artists (Stabile 60, Hefner
25) created the popular "Two Of A Kind"act based upon the song written by music
legends Johnny Mercer and Bobby Darin. Both singers were an immediate hit with
audiences everywhere. Hefner was finally able to incorporate
"rat pack" style comedy into his routine as the two traded
hilarious quips with each other. Sadly, Stabile died suddenly
in 2002. A month after Lenny's death, "Two Of A Kind"
hit the SwingTop40 chart peaking at #25, a testament of the
fans' unwavering support and love.
With his singing partner Lenny gone, Hefner picked up
and moved forward. He decided to work again as a single,
typically accompanied by a drummer. By down sizing,
Hefner was able to work much more throughout the year,
at times working as many as eight dates or more a week.
In 2003, Hefner was presented the opportunity to record
with some of the area's finest jazz players on a concept
album created by friend and drummer Rick Cline. Hefner
had for many years been very reluctant to write original
pieces and even more leery of performing them. Then
after nearly five years of nothing, Hefner wrote "It's
Raining Again". The recording on Cline's album quickly
became a favorite from the CD as well on the radio.
In 2003, a long awaited reunion took place. To celebrate their 10 year anniversary,
Sentimental Journey reunited for a much anticipated concert. Also released that evening
was a commemorative CD containing recordings (most of them unreleased) over the
group's 10 year span.
In 2004, Hefner returned to his roots in Morganton, NC to perform with legendary
groups The Four Aces and The Orioles. Hefner continues to work with award winning
vocalist Jackie Finley in local venues and southeastern shows including an opening act
for Travis Tritt and a wonderfully received holiday concert in 2006 called "Christmas
On Broadway". In 2007, Hefner & Finley opened for country music star JoDee
Messina. Most recently, the two starred in a Christmas concert entitled "The Days Of
Wine, Roses & Christmas". The show featured the lyrics of Johnny Mercer and was
well received by the audience.
In 2008, Hefner will release his first solo album in years, "A Lot Like Love". The
album will feature romantic favorites and will also include two of Hefner's original
songs, "I'm Always The Other Guy" and the title track, "A Lot Like Love"
Also in 2008, Nathan began working with jazz/ R& B singer Kat Williams. The two
have enjoyed enormous success selling out auditoriums to delighted audiences
everywhere.
Whether it's small town festivals or big name events, intimate jazz ensembles or
smoking big band revues, the music never stops. With a schedule growing ever more
hectic (at nearly 300 dates a year), Hefner continues winning enthusiastic fans and
adding a new style to an old song and dance.
DISCOGRAPHY
Albums- Sentimental Journey- "Straight Up" EnJay SJ-11075
Nathan Hefner- "Signature" EnJay TECD-0119
Nathan Hefner- "Dear Departed Love" EnJay TECD-0120
Nathan Hefner- "Christmas Mem'ries" Enjay TECD-0121
Nathan Hefner/ Lenny Stabile- "Two Of A Kind" EnJay TECD-0122
Rick Cline- "Must Be This Tall To Ride" (It's Raining Again)
Sentimental Journey- "A 10 Year Celebration" EnJay TECD-0123
Catherine Eason- "Wrapped In Love" (Piano Only)
Catherine Eason- "Not Alone" (Piano Only)
Nathan Hefner- "A Lot Like Love" EnJay TECD-0124
Video- Images Of Burke County (Soundtrack) Part 1&2 AmeriQuest Video Edit Text
years with his dazzling repertoire of music encompassing nearly 70 years of musical
triumph. From the tranquil sounds of the early crooners to the edgier rockabilly of the
50's and 60's, when Hefner opens a number, his energy and vocal grace bring to life an
age that has passed us by--if only for the duration of a song.
The swinging brass of the big bands as well as the intimate sounds of the post W.W.II
era captivated young Hefner. His appreciation of the music led him to begin singing
publicly at age 3 and playing piano by age 5. Hefner was already performing for local
events and various civic organizations by the age of 11. He continued his solo
performing into high school where he met his collaborators in creating one of the area's
premiere swing and jazz groups.
In 1992, Hefner and three schoolmates (David Wortman, Melanie Barrett & Gene
Elliott ) formed Sentimental Journey. The group was well received by the local public
and performed constantly throughout '92 and '93. One of their more notable shows was
"Sentimental Journey- Reunion" performed in response to local interest generated
during a brief hiatus (Natalie Cannon had joined when Melanie Barrett was at college).
The four members parted ways after high school and the name lay dormant until '96
when Hefner created a new incarnation of Sentimental Journey-
this time as a trio (with Wes Powers and Audra Ratliff).
The group had yet to see it's greatest success. While
already enjoying popularity throughout the Southeast,
Hefner has a dream come true...In 1997, Sentimental
Journey opened for Hefner's idol, the legendary Patti Page.
That same year, the trio participated in the opening of
Harrah's Casino in Cherokee with a three-night run. In
1998, Sentimental Journey had the privilege of kicking
off the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, one of the three largest
such festivals in the US. The group also had a request
from Academy Award winning actress, Reese Witherspoon,
to be the exclusive entertainment for her Charleston, SC
wedding to Ryan Phillipe. Sentimental journey entertained
well and often until the latter months of 1999 when Hefner
formally dissolved the group.
Hefner's solo performing career has continued throughout. His many notable shows
include performances with the Smothers Brothers, The Lettermen, and Concord Jazz
artist Dennis Rowland. Hefner, along with Catherine Eason, also has headlined the
Grand Hyatt Ballroom in NYC. Hefner and Eason still team up occasionally, including
annual benefits that have been held in Charleston, SC and at Spirit Square in Charlotte,
NC--always drawing a packed house.
In 1999, Hefner teamed up with Atlanta singing personality, Lenny Stabile in what
would become one of his most successful ventures. The two artists (Stabile 60, Hefner
25) created the popular "Two Of A Kind"act based upon the song written by music
legends Johnny Mercer and Bobby Darin. Both singers were an immediate hit with
audiences everywhere. Hefner was finally able to incorporate
"rat pack" style comedy into his routine as the two traded
hilarious quips with each other. Sadly, Stabile died suddenly
in 2002. A month after Lenny's death, "Two Of A Kind"
hit the SwingTop40 chart peaking at #25, a testament of the
fans' unwavering support and love.
With his singing partner Lenny gone, Hefner picked up
and moved forward. He decided to work again as a single,
typically accompanied by a drummer. By down sizing,
Hefner was able to work much more throughout the year,
at times working as many as eight dates or more a week.
In 2003, Hefner was presented the opportunity to record
with some of the area's finest jazz players on a concept
album created by friend and drummer Rick Cline. Hefner
had for many years been very reluctant to write original
pieces and even more leery of performing them. Then
after nearly five years of nothing, Hefner wrote "It's
Raining Again". The recording on Cline's album quickly
became a favorite from the CD as well on the radio.
In 2003, a long awaited reunion took place. To celebrate their 10 year anniversary,
Sentimental Journey reunited for a much anticipated concert. Also released that evening
was a commemorative CD containing recordings (most of them unreleased) over the
group's 10 year span.
In 2004, Hefner returned to his roots in Morganton, NC to perform with legendary
groups The Four Aces and The Orioles. Hefner continues to work with award winning
vocalist Jackie Finley in local venues and southeastern shows including an opening act
for Travis Tritt and a wonderfully received holiday concert in 2006 called "Christmas
On Broadway". In 2007, Hefner & Finley opened for country music star JoDee
Messina. Most recently, the two starred in a Christmas concert entitled "The Days Of
Wine, Roses & Christmas". The show featured the lyrics of Johnny Mercer and was
well received by the audience.
In 2008, Hefner will release his first solo album in years, "A Lot Like Love". The
album will feature romantic favorites and will also include two of Hefner's original
songs, "I'm Always The Other Guy" and the title track, "A Lot Like Love"
Also in 2008, Nathan began working with jazz/ R& B singer Kat Williams. The two
have enjoyed enormous success selling out auditoriums to delighted audiences
everywhere.
Whether it's small town festivals or big name events, intimate jazz ensembles or
smoking big band revues, the music never stops. With a schedule growing ever more
hectic (at nearly 300 dates a year), Hefner continues winning enthusiastic fans and
adding a new style to an old song and dance.
DISCOGRAPHY
Albums- Sentimental Journey- "Straight Up" EnJay SJ-11075
Nathan Hefner- "Signature" EnJay TECD-0119
Nathan Hefner- "Dear Departed Love" EnJay TECD-0120
Nathan Hefner- "Christmas Mem'ries" Enjay TECD-0121
Nathan Hefner/ Lenny Stabile- "Two Of A Kind" EnJay TECD-0122
Rick Cline- "Must Be This Tall To Ride" (It's Raining Again)
Sentimental Journey- "A 10 Year Celebration" EnJay TECD-0123
Catherine Eason- "Wrapped In Love" (Piano Only)
Catherine Eason- "Not Alone" (Piano Only)
Nathan Hefner- "A Lot Like Love" EnJay TECD-0124
Video- Images Of Burke County (Soundtrack) Part 1&2 AmeriQuest Video Edit Text
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Recording "Two Of A Kind"
2001
2001
Sentimental Journey c. 1993
1993
Wes Powers & Nathan at the
renowned Cavallero Ballroom
in Charleston, SC
renowned Cavallero Ballroom
in Charleston, SC
Jackie Finley & Nathan while
opening for Travis Tritt
opening for Travis Tritt
The "new" Sentimental Journey
(Wes Powers, Nathan, & Audra Ratliff
with the legendary Patti Page
(Wes Powers, Nathan, & Audra Ratliff
with the legendary Patti Page
Nathan & Lenny Stabile