Bobby Bare Brings 1960s Country Music to Life
I feel like I got a gigantic dose of country music injected right into my bloodstream at a small Bobby Bare concert last night in Nashville, sponsored by BMI. When he sang "Detroit City," I was singing along on "Oh, how I wanna go home," but I didn't really mean it. I could have listened for another hour because you rarely hear live country music from the 1960s anymore, even in Nashville. Plus, Bare is still in fine form, cracking jokes and covering tunes by the likes of Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson and Shel Silverstein. It was like a living history/music lesson. I thought I might need to pinch myself, until one of my friends leaned over and did just that -- exclaiming, "Country music, Craig!" Yes, I know!
I wrote down all the song titles so I could see if they're available for download, and top-of-mind is "The Winner," which could be a big ol' hit today for any country singer with a goofy personality. As he was singing about a guy who seemed to have it all, Bare had each one of us in the palm of his hand. I also enjoyed "Dropkick Me, Jesus," "500 Miles Away From Home," "Shame on Me" (with a recitation!), "Streets of Baltimore" and "Four Strong Winds." For cheating songs, it doesn't get any better than "Margie's at the Lincoln Park Inn" with its killer clincher -- "I'm almost out of cigarettes/And Margie's at the Lincoln Park Inn/... And I know why she's there."
To close the show, Bare brought up some friends and family to squeal along on "Marie Laveau." Unlike most showcases, where I walk away unable to retain a single verse or lyric, I could go on and on about this one -- without a doubt, a winner.
Photo credit: Drew Maynard/BMI
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Harry Smith says:
Bobby Bare is one of the greats of all time. His music is timeless. I have some of the early 45s,and play them often.
Bobby had a show in the 80s titled Bobby Bare and friends, where He interviewed the writers of the classic songs, and then they would perform the songs live out in the studio.It was fantastic. They all had there own sound and identity, not like todays music. Young artists should listen to the old songs,and cover some of them,they could be hits again for sure. Thanks again Bobby, for all the years of listening pleasure.
Redmaz says:
I agree Bobby Bare is a treasure,,, and country music legend(even with “Singin’ in The Kitchen”)justkiddin’. Seriously though I have always liked a lot of the songs he sings, whether his own or from other songwriters. Remember.. “Daddy what if”? A duet with his then very young son Bobby Jr. Well, now Bare Jr. is all grown up now and has his own style of music. I wish Bobby Bare all the best, however, I have to disagree with Harry Smith about younger artists not listening to the old songs and covering them. There are quite a few newer artists covering these years of classic country from the 40’s 50’s and 60’s. Not only that, there are many new artists writing and recording new songs that sound very much like they are from the 40’s 50’s and 60’s… .
Keep on Pickin’ and singin’ Bobby. You’re doing great!
vanthemanfan says:
I was so disappointed that I didn’t hear anything of this concert until I read Thursday’s Tennessean. I read it after supper, and the concert had already started. I was really upset.
The dang Tennessean seems to either tell you about a classic country concert the DAY OF the concert; or they miss it altogether, and then tell you the NEXT DAY in the entertainment roundup.
CRAP!
Ted says:
On Sunday evening, we saw Bobby Bare and LeRoy Van Dyke at the Wild Rose Casino in Emmetsburg, Iowa, for a Country Gold Tour performance. Bobby Bare was awesome. He had the audience singing along with every word and laughing at his stories. If you ever get a chance to see him, he’s worth it. He is a legend. I grew up during the 70’s and 80’s and still enjoy the Classic Country. To have singers like Bobby Bare and LeRoy Van Dyke and Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius come to Northwest Iowa makes me want to head for Branson or Nashville.
Snyder44 says:
The Old Dog can still belt them out. God Bless you Bobby Bare!