George Bon Bon Tunnell was the first African-American male singer to be featured regularly with a white jazz big band. He was a warm and versatile vocalist who was effective on both medium-tempo material and ballads, impressive at both interpreting lyrics and scatting. Born George Tunnell, he picked up the nickname of "Bon Bon" early in his life. He sang and played supportive piano in the 1920s in a group called "Bon Bon His Buddies." That band unfortunately did not record and just lasted until it broke up in 1931, a casualty of the Depression. However, his next association, the Three Keys, had better success. The trio was similar in ways to the Spirits of Rhythm although not as frenetic. The Three Keys featured Bon Bon on piano, guitarist Slim Furness, and bassist Bob Pease; all three musicians also sang together. The Three Keys recorded 16 songs during 1932-1933, not only working in New York City clubs but appearing on the radio and even playing a concert at London's Palladium in September 1933.

After the Three Keys inevitably broke up, Bon Bon gained a great deal of attention when he became the main singer with the Jan Savitt Orchestra in 1937. He was with Savitt during the band's most important years, staying until 1942. Among his best known recorded vocals with Savitt are It's a Wonderful World, Vol Vistu Gaily Star, and Rose of the Rio Grande. Despite the inevitable difficulties with racial discrimination, this seems to have been a happy period for him.

In addition, he also recorded two sessions under the name of Bon Bon His Buddies during 1941-1942 which showcased his vocals with small swing groups. After leaving Savitt, during 1946-1950 Bon Bon recorded at least 36 titles for the Davis and Beacon labels as a solo singer although these have yet to be reissued and apparently failed to make much of an impact.

By the time he was 50, Bon Bon's career was essentially over. He moved back to his native Pennsylvania in the 1950s, only sang now and then during his final 25 years, and was largely forgotten. There is one CD put out by Classics under the name The Three Keys/Bon Bon His Buddies, that features Bon Bon as a soloist and in fine form on many recordings by Jan Savitt. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi