Tonya Browne was greatly loved on and off the stage.

The lead vocalist of the former Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band, who passed away on March 9, will be greatly missed by many.

"She was a real classy lady," said Hal McCullough, owner of Café 210 West, 210 W. College Ave.

McCullough first met Browne the day after he had purchased the Café 11 years ago. After they made their introductions, McCullough told Browne that his family was originally from Brooklyn, and more specifically lived at 110 Hancock St.

Much to their surprise, Browne then revealed to McCullough that her mother currently lives in that very house.

"We bonded right after that and had enjoyable times ever since," McCullough said.

According to McCullough, the local blues band played for at least 12 years and had always been a local favorite.

"They were one of the best bands ever to fill the club of Café 210," McCullough said. "I believe they are probably one of the best blues bands up and down the East Coast."

Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band recently called it quits in 1999 due to differing opinions over the amount of touring they should do, said Queen Bee guitarist Mark Ross.

"We (Browne) were still close when the band broke up," Ross said. "I have lost one of my all time best friends."

Ross and Browne, the founding members of Queen Bee, met 15 years ago at the now defunct bar called the Brickhouse. Ross recalls how he overheard Browne singing while she worked there and immediately wanted to work with her.

Originally Browne had other plans in mind — she intended to study abroad in Africa. Ross's wife, who at the time was his girlfriend and waitress at the Brickhouse, later found out from Browne that she decided not to go abroad and Ross made his move.

After that Browne and Ross listened to records together and figured out what they wanted to do with their music.

"She's the finest singer ever," Ross said. "Joan Osbourne used to open for us and Tonya used to destroy her."

Browne was well known for her lush vocals and vibrant personality. She wasn't one to hide her feelings.

"Her smile had momentum," said Queen Bee bassist Rene Witzke. "She was really quite magnetic."

Witzke, who knew Browne for about 10 years, said they had a sibling relationship from traveling so much together. "She was always a bright spot," he said.

Both Ross and Witzke agreed Browne was wonderful to work with personally and musically.

"She put us down on the map," Ross said. "I think everyone will be eternally grateful for that."

Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band's third album Dealin' the Blues not only earned glowing reviews from Billboard Magazine, but was also one of the 59 acts that were nominated for an initial Grammy ballot for contemporary blues album of the year in 1993.

"Tonya was not only the best singer on the planet but a great human being," Ross said.