Brief Bios

Robert Bobby became hooked on folk music when his brother turned him on to Bob Dylan’s Free Wheeling album in his early teens. He has been a staple of the Central Pennsylvania music scene going back to his days as lead singer for The Speedboys, and has been favorably reviewed by music critics in Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, Sing Out! and numerous other publications. He is a singer/songwriter known for his clever way with words, his quirky sense of humor, his “money” voice and his ability to connect with an audience. Musically, he is a pioneer in the unified theory of eclecticism. 

Mrs. Bobby is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. She figured the best way to keep an eye on Mr. Bobby was to join the band so she learned to play the bass around the time her AARP membership arrived in the mail. She is an inspiration to anyone who has ever wished they could learn to play a musical instrument. The York County native brings her love of roots music to the mix and a joy that is evident in her performance. Above all, she's Mrs. Bobby. 

Together, The Robert Bobby Duo is a perfect blend of folk, singer-songwriter, Americana & blues: witty, funny, fresh yet familiar.

 

Who is this Robert Bobby guy anyway?

Robert Bobby was born in Philadelphia and grew up in the suburb of Newtown Square.  As a young teenager, his brother introduced him to the music of Bob Dylan and that was his doorway into his own musical adventure.  In high school & college he often frequented The Main Point folk club, getting to hear people like Dave Van Ronk, Chris Smither, Tom Rush, Tim Buckley, Steve Goodman, Muddy Waters and many more.


After attending college at Franklin & Marshall in Lancaster, PA, Robert Bobby formed a rock and rhythm & blues band named The Speedboys which gained a widespread  regional following.  They released two (2) self  produced albums which were critically acclaimed.  

Since the year 2000, Robert Bobby has concentrated on performing the acoustic music he loves. Today he performs primarily as The Robert Bobby Duo with his wife, Mrs. Bobby, on bass guitar. They perform a varied repertoire of Robert Bobby originals & select cover songs in a listening room setting. Their music is informed by the vibrant music of their younger days when Motown & Memphis soul was played on the radio along with the great folk singer/songwriters of the 60's & 70's, The British Invasion, California & Nashville sounds. Fresh yet familiar with an emphasis on Mr. Bobby's wit, humor and "money voice". 

Robert Bobby has played in support of the following acoustic artists:

1. Chris Smither
2. Steve Forbert
3. Rory Block
4. Roy Book Binder
5. Parker Milsap
6. Diana Jones
7. Fred Eaglesmith
8. Junior Brown: ok not so acoustic-sue me
9. Dom Flemons

Robert Bobby has performed at the following:

The Birchmere: Alexandria, VA 
The Tin Angel: Philadelphia PA

 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival as Emerging Artist Contestant, NY
 The Lansdowne Folk Club: Lansdowne, PA
 Susquehanna Folk Society & Whitaker Center: Harrisburg, PA
 Gene Shay's Folk Show: WXPN Philadelphia, PA (3 times)
 Little Buffalo Festival, PA
The Ware Center, Tellus 360 & The Chameleon: Lancaster, PA
 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Quad Showcase.