Introduction to Bobby Goldsboro

Introduction to Bobby Goldsboro

Bobby Goldsboro (born on January 18, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter who has gotten recognition from both his recordings and songwriting. Goldsboro was born in Marianna Florida, but grew up in Dothan, Alabama. After finishing high school, he was on his way to pursue a music career. After a number of minor hits (while playing guitar chores for star Roy Orbison), his career soared through his self-penned single “See The Funny Little Clown” which became a Top 10 hit in 1964. Other singles followed that became Top 40 hits (“Whenever He Holds You,” “Little Things,” “Voodoo Woman,” “It’s Too Late” and “Blue Autumn.” In the late 60s music scene Goldsboro achieved international recognition through the single “Honey”; although critics saw this as one of the “worst songs of all time,” it otherwise became a commercial success, peaking on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. “Honey” is now a favorite among oldies music and love songs lovers. His songs were quite a staple on the adult contemporary charts, namely “Autumn of My Life,” “The Straight Life,” “Glad She’s A Woman,” “Muddy Mississippi,” “Can You Feel It,” “Watching Scotty Grow,” “And I Love You So,” “Hello Summertime,” “A Butterfly for Bucky” and “Me and the Elephants.” Goldsboro also wrote and recorded a controversial song called “Summer (The First Time)”, which depicts of a first time sexual relationship between a teenager and a much older woman. His compositions have been recorded by several artists, most notably Vikki Carr’s “With Pen In Hand,” “The Cowboy and the Lady” that became a country hit for Brenda Lee as “The Cowgirl and the Dandy” – it also re-recorded by Dolly Parton and John Denver. He has been virtually retired from performing since the 1980s. He also paints, and sells his artworks on his official website.

Early years

Singer/songwriter Bobby Goldsboro is best remembered by his breakthrough hit in 1968, “Honey.” Goldsboro was born on January 18, 1941 in Marianna, Florida. While in his teens, Goldsboro’s family relocated to Dothan, Alabama. He graduated from Dothan High School in 1959 and later attended at Auburn University. Goldsboro quit school after his sophomore year to go after his dream becoming a recording artist.

Goldsboro’s peak years

Goldsboro started as a guitarist for Roy Orbison’s backing band where he played from 1962 to 1964. From then on, he became a solo artist. He started to get attention when he released “See the Funny Little Clown” in 1964. The self-penned single peaked at #9 on the national chart and sold one million copies. It was also given a gold disc award. The follow up singles “Whenever He Holds You” (1964), “Little Things,” (1965) “Voodoo Woman,” (1965) “It’s Too Late,” (1966) and “Blue Autumn” (1966); they all entered the Top 40 charts throughout the middle of the decade. In 1966, Goldsboro recorded the danceable singles “It’s Too Late” and “Too Many People” on the B-side which became big hits with Northern soul in Great Britain. Goldboro had his chart-topper hit in 1968 with “Honey.” Despite (or maybe because) the tragic love story of the song, “Honey” hit the #1 spot on Hot 100 for almost a month and went up to #2 in the UK singles chart. The song re-entered the UK chart in 1975.  It was a number song in Australia as well.

Later career

After the sky-rocketing success of “Honey,” Goldsboro went away from the spotlight for almost two years. In 1971, he came back unexpectedly and released numerous singles but unfortunately, his commercial heyday was over.

Goldsboro became a host of his own show, The Bobby Goldsboro Show. The syndicated television variety series was aired from 1973 to 1975.

Goldsboro retired from performing during the 1980’s and began to produce children’s entertainment which included a number of audiobooks and television specials. In 1995, he launched the fifty-two-episode children’s series The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon. Goldsboro also paints, and his artworks can be bought from his own official website.