The Songs and Life of Bobby Goldsboro

When I first began to take an interest in music, Bobby Goldsboro's songs appealed me.  In retrospect, I believe it was because, like Harry Chapin, Goldsboro's songs told a story.  Goldboro's songs were often sullen and melancholy.  For example, "Honey", his biggest hit, was about the premature death of a young wife; "Blue Autumn" was about the lamentations of a man who had lost his love and was awaiting a sad fall season; "Autumn of My Life' was about divorce as was "With Pen in Hand".  "I'm a Drifter" talks about a young man looking for purpose in his life.  Looking back, I wonder why did I buy this guy's 45's and LP albums??

In the early 70's, Goldsboro had his own TV show which featured diverse guests such as Mac Davis, B.J. Thomas, Seals and Croft, Kenny Rogers, Henry Mancini, and Roger Miller.  Around that time, Goldsboro founded the "Sound Shop" recording studio.  Later, he began to write and produce children's songs.  Contrary to popular belief, it was Mac Davis, not Goldsboro, who wrote the hit "Watching Scotty Grow".  Davis often joked how his own son, Scotty for whom the song was written, thought that Goldsboro was his father.  I particularly liked a muppet-like character on the show named"Calvin Calevaras" the jumping frog from Calevaras County (like the Mark Twain story).

In reading his bio inside the album cover of "Bobby Goldsboro's 10th Anniversary Album", I learned that he was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Indians and was a guitarist in Roy Orbison's band.

The song "Honey" was originally recorded by Bobby Shane, of the Kingston Trio, and written by Bobby Russell, one-time husband of Vicki Lawrence.  Russell also wrote O.C. Smith's "Little Green Apples" and the Vicki Lawrence hit "The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia". 

Some critics have argued that "Honey" was probably a big hit like the movie "Love Story" not because of their unique story lines but rather the timing of their release.  America was in the midst of the Viet Nam war, protests and racial riots were breaking out throughout the country.  Some say that they were a form a escapism from America's ills.  While the times enabled "Honey" to get plenty of air time over the radio, his song "Broomstick Cowboy", with wonderful though-provoking lyrics and a philosphical love song about a father musing over this son one day becoming a man, was viewed as a protest song against the Viet Nam war.  Click here for the lyrics and vocals.

Later in his career, he wrote the coming of age ballad "Summer, That First Time" which could have been the theme song for "Summer of 42".  Other significant work include his song "Hello Summertime" featured on Coke commercials in the mid-70's and the theme to the Burt Reynolds show "Evening Shade".

In writing this blog, I may have discovered my affinity for his music.  The lyrics of his songs are deep and thought-provoking.  The stories are poignant and real-life.   The individual himself is known for his humility and quick wit.  His career has spanned over four decades and he has constantly re-engineered himself to adapt to the times while maintaining his core values and strengths.  Perhaps Bobby Goldsboro is a role model for anyone who either aspires for or has achieved success in life.