Bobby Goldsboro, born on January 18, 1941, is an American singer-songwriter known for his gentle vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and chart-topping ballads. While best remembered for his 1968 hit “Honey,” Goldsboro enjoyed a solid run of hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Though not always embraced by critics, his music resonated with audiences and continues to be a favorite on oldies and adult contemporary playlists.
Early Life and Career Start
Bobby Goldsboro was born in Marianna, Florida, and raised in Dothan, Alabama. He graduated from Dothan High School in 1959 and attended Auburn University. However, during his sophomore year, he left school to pursue a music career full-time.
His big break came when he joined Roy Orbison’s backing band as a guitarist in 1962. Touring with Orbison gave Goldsboro the experience and exposure he needed before launching his solo career.
Breakthrough as a Solo Artist
In 1964, Goldsboro released his self-penned single “See the Funny Little Clown.” The song climbed to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc award.
He followed up with several Top 40 hits during the mid-1960s, including:
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“Whenever He Holds You” (1964)
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“Little Things” (1965)
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“Voodoo Woman” (1965)
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“It’s Too Late” (1966)
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“Blue Autumn” (1966)
In the UK, his B-side “Too Many People” gained traction among fans of Northern soul.
The Success of “Honey”
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Goldsboro’s career reached its peak in 1968 with the release of “Honey,” a sentimental ballad about love and loss. While the song divided critics—some calling it overly sentimental—it struck a chord with listeners.
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It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks
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Reached #2 on the UK Singles Chart
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Became a #1 hit in Australia
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Re-entered the UK chart in 1975
Despite its controversial reputation, “Honey” remains one of the best-selling singles of the decade and a staple of 1960s pop radio.
Other Notable Songs
Goldsboro had continued success with tracks that charted well on adult contemporary radio, including:
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“Autumn of My Life”
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“The Straight Life”
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“Glad She’s a Woman”
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“Muddy Mississippi Line”
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“Watching Scotty Grow”
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“A Butterfly for Bucky”
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“Me and the Elephants”
One of his most talked-about songs was “Summer (The First Time),” a ballad about a teenage boy’s romantic experience with an older woman. The song stirred controversy for its theme but remains one of his best-known later hits.
Goldsboro also wrote songs recorded by other artists, including:
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“With Pen in Hand” – a hit for Vikki Carr
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“The Cowboy and the Lady” – later reworked as “The Cowgirl and the Dandy” by Brenda Lee, and recorded by Dolly Parton and John Denver
Later Career and Retirement
After the success of “Honey,” Goldsboro stepped away from the spotlight for a brief period. He returned in the early 1970s but never quite reached the same commercial success.
In 1973, he hosted The Bobby Goldsboro Show, a syndicated variety series that ran until 1975.
By the 1980s, Goldsboro retired from live performing and shifted his focus to other creative outlets. He began producing children’s entertainment, including:
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Audiobooks
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Television specials
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A full series: The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon (1995), which aired for 52 episodes
Life Beyond Music
Outside of music and television, Goldsboro explored a new passion—painting. His artwork is available for purchase on his official website, where he continues to share his creative work.
Although he’s no longer active in the recording industry, Bobby Goldsboro’s music continues to connect with fans who appreciate emotional storytelling and classic melodies.
Final Thoughts
Bobby Goldsboro may not have dominated the charts as long as some of his peers, but his contributions to pop and country music remain memorable. His songs captured tender, sometimes bittersweet moments, and found a home in the hearts of listeners.
From “See the Funny Little Clown” to “Honey” and beyond, Goldsboro’s voice and writing left a lasting mark on the golden era of 1960s and 70s American music.