In 1968 while Joplin, Hendrix, the Doors and Jefferson Airplane were singing about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, Bobby Goldsboro was singing about “Honey.”
After a career in which he sold more than 35 million records, hosted a national TV show, wrote six best-selling children’s books and produced a national PBS show, you’d think the almost 85 year old Goldsboro would be winding down.
Think again.
Bobby Goldsboro was born in the small town of Marianna, Florida. Growing up in a modest setting, he discovered a Love for music at an early age. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing guitar and dreaming about a life in the spotlight.
After high school, Bobby attended University but quickly found himself drawn more to music than academics. That passion led him to join a band called The Webs—the first real stepping stone to his career.
The Webs were talented enough to catch the attention of rock legend Roy Orbison. In 1962, Orbison invited the band to back him on tour. Bobby suddenly found himself on the road with one of the most iconic voices in rock history, gaining invaluable experience.
For two years, he traveled the world with Orbison, honing his skills and learning the ins and outs of the music business.
In 1964, Bobby launched his solo career, and his very first single, “See the Funny Little Clown,” became a hit. The song shot into the Top 10 and introduced his unique, heartfelt vocal style to the world.
More singles followed that proved he wasn’t a one-hit wonder.
Everything changed in 1968 with the release of “Honey.”
The emotional ballad tells the story of a man grieving the loss of his wife. Goldsboro’s tender delivery turned it into a cultural phenomenon. The song spent five weeks at No. 1 and became one of the decade’s best-selling singles, topping charts worldwide.
Love it or find it schmultzy “Honey” defined Bobby Goldsboro’s career and remains his signature song.
Though “Honey” was his biggest success, Bobby continued to deliver memorable music. Songs like “Summer (The First Time)” and “Watching Scotty Grow” touched audiences everywhere. Bobby’s tracks showcased his versatility, blending country, pop, and folk influences while always keeping the storytelling front and centre.
During the ’70s, Bobby expanded his career beyond the recording studio. He became the host of The Bobby Goldsboro Show, a syndicated musical variety program that ran for several years. It highlighted his warmth, charm, and sense of humour—qualities that endeared him to audiences far beyond his music.
As the ’80s rolled in, Bobby gradually stepped away from the spotlight of hit records and touring. But creativity still flowed. He turned his attention to painting, creating detailed wildlife and landscape art that quickly gained recognition. Collectors admired his work, and he established himself as a respected visual artist.
He also ventured into children’s programming, producing the animated series The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon.
What makes Bobby Goldsboro special is the emotional connection he forges with his audience. He has a rare ability to capture universal feelings in simple, beautiful ways.
His soft, vulnerable voice made listeners feel like he was singing directly to them, a gift that explains why his songs have endured for so long.
Today, Bobby Goldsboro may no longer dominate the charts, but his influence is undeniable. He continues to paint, create, and inspire, while fans old and new revisit his music with appreciation. His career is a reminder that creativity comes in many forms and that an artist’s Legacy isn’t defined by a single moment, but by a lifetime of work.
Tune in to hear Bobby relive the story of his career and let him take you back to your youth, to a time when his songs dominated the charts.
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