Bobby Bare: The Outlaw Country Storyteller

Bobby Bare is an American country music singer and songwriter renowned for his conversational baritone and keen eye for storytelling songs. Hailing from Ironton, Ohio, he achieved major success with multiple top-ten country hits and a Grammy Award for his 1963 single "Detroit City."

Early career

Born in 1935, Robert Joseph Bare began his professional journey after a stint in the U.S. Army. His first major break came when he signed with Capitol Records and recorded "The All American Boy," a satirical track about Elvis Presley that unexpectedly became a pop hit in 1958, though it was initially miscredited to Bill Parsons.

Breakthrough

Bobby Bare's true breakthrough arrived after signing with RCA Victor in 1962. His single "Detroit City," released in 1963, became a crossover smash, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning him a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording.

Key tracks

Detroit City — This Grammy-winning 1963 hit established Bare's signature sound and narrative style, cementing his place in country music.

500 Miles Away from Home — A folk-influenced lament that became a major country and pop hit in 1963, showcasing his versatility.

Marie Laveau — This 1974 novelty story-song, co-written by Shel Silverstein, became Bare's only number one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

The Winner — A classic Shel Silverstein-penned talking blues track from 1976 that perfectly encapsulates Bare's dry wit and outlaw persona.

Daddy What If — A 1974 duet with his five-year-old son Bobby Bare Jr. that became a surprise top-ten country hit, demonstrating his personal touch.

Bare's career flourished throughout the 1960s and 70s with a string of hits for RCA. He became a central figure in the outlaw country movement of the 1970s, often recording songs from writers like Shel Silverstein and Tom T. Hall. His 1978 album "Bare" even featured a backing band that would soon become known as The Cars.

After a period of semi-retirement in the 1980s, Bare returned to recording, releasing albums on independent labels like Sugar Hill and Plowboy Records. His 2005 album "The Moon Was Blue" was produced by his son and marked a acclaimed return to form. Bare was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

Fans of Bobby Bare's narrative-driven country style may also enjoy the work of Tom T. Hall. Hall shares Bare's focus on detailed, story-song craftsmanship. The conversational delivery of Johnny Cash parallels Bare's own resonant baritone and outsider themes. The witty, songwriter-centric approach of Kris Kristofferson aligns with Bare's musical philosophy. For another pillar of the outlaw sound, explore Waylon Jennings, who collaborated with Bare and shared a rebellious spirit.

Bobby Bare's catalog remains a staple on classic country and Americana radio stations. His timeless story-songs receive regular airplay on dedicated country FM stations and online radio streams focused on music's rich storytelling traditions.

The music of Bobby Bare, the iconic outlaw country storyteller, can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his classic hits and deep cuts through the curated country and classic rock radio stations available on onairium.com.