Gene Watson Peer’s Quote from Bobby Bare: June 2014

Bobby Bare
This quote was submitted on Monday 16 June 2014.

‘It doesn’t get any better than hearing Gene Watson singing ‘Farewell Party‘, which was written by Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007).

Especially that last note!’

Thank you, Bobby Bare, for your support of Gene Watson.

About Bobby Bare…

Bobby Bare was born Robert Joseph ‘Bobby’ Bare Sr. on Sunday 7 April 1935 and had many failed attempts to sell his songs in the 1950s.

Bobby Bare finally signed with Capitol Records and recorded a few rock ‘n’ roll songs without much chart success.

Before he was drafted into the United States Army, Bobby Bare wrote a song called ‘The All American Boy’ and did a demo for his friend, Bill Parsons, to learn and record.

Instead of using the version Bill Parsons did later, the record company, Fraternity Records, decided to use the original demo recorded by Bobby Bare.  The record reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart, but an error was made; the singles’ labels all credited the artist as being ‘Bill Parsons’.  The same track, with the same billing error, peaked at No.22 on the United Kingdom pop music singles chart in April 1959.

In the early 1960s, Bobby Bare starred in ‘A Distant Trumpet’, an American Western film, which was the last one directed by Raoul A. Walsh (11 March 1887 – Wednesday 31 December 1980), and which starred Troy Donahue (Monday 27 January 1936 – Sunday 2 September 2001), Suzanne Pleshette (Sunday 31 January 1937 – Saturday 19 January 2008) and Diane McBain; the film was released in 1964.

Bobby Bare also acted in a few episodes of the television series, ‘No Time For Sergeants’.  However, Bobby Bare decided to turn his back on Hollywood in order to fully pursue a career in country music.

Bobby Bare’s big break in country music came when RCA Records’ Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001) signed him to the record label.

The first song Bobby Bare released on the RCA Records label was ‘Shame On Me’, which reached No.18 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1962; the track also reached No.23 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1962.

Bobby Bare’s second RCA release, ‘Detroit City’, which was written by Danny Dill (Friday 19 September 1924 – Thursday 23 October 2008) and Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017), reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1963, and No.16 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1963.

In 1964, ‘Detroit City’ earned Bobby Bare a Grammy Award for ‘Best Country & Western Recording’.

In August 1963, Bobby Bare saw the release of his debut album, ‘Detroit City’ (RCA Victor Records, 1963), which included the three aforementioned hit singles:

‘The All American Boy’ (written and sung by Bobby Bare, but credited by Fraternity Records to Bill Parsons, with songwriting credit to Bill Parsons and Orville Lunsford) (No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart, 1962) / the track also reached No.22 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in April 1959

‘Shame On Me’ (No.18 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1962) / the track also reached No.23 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1963

‘Detroit City’, which was written by Danny Dill (Friday 19 September 1924 – Thursday 23 October 2008) and Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) (No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1963) / the track also reached No.16 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1963

Bobby Bare’s debut album, ‘Detroit City’ (RCA Victor Records, 1963), reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1963.

In December 1963, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘500 Miles Away From Home’ (RCA Victor Records, 1963), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘500 Miles Away From Home’, which was written by Hedy West (Wednesday 6 April 1938 – Sunday 3 July 2005) (No.5, 1963) / the track also reached No.10 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1963

Bobby Bare’s ‘500 Miles Away From Home’ (RCA Victor Records, 1963), which reached No.9 on the Billboard country music albums chart in 1963, also included the track ‘Jeannie’s Last Kiss’.

In September 1964, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Travelin’ Bare’ (RCA Victor Records, 1964), which reached No.14 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1964, and which included the following tracks:

‘Down In Mexico’ (written by Bobby Bare and McDonald)
‘Sittin’ & Thinkin’ (written by Rich)
‘I’ve Lived A Lot In My Time’ (written by Reeves, Rhodes and Reynolds)
‘I’m Gettin’ Lonely’ (written by Pitts)
‘Long Way To Tennessee’ (written by Rich)
‘Sweeter Than The Flowers’ (written by Mann, Rouse and Burns)
‘I Was Coming Home To You’ (written by Hayes and Rule)
‘Long Black Limousine’ (written by Stovall and George)
‘Another Bridge To Burn’ (written by Howard)
‘Lonely Town’ (written by Bobby Bare)
‘Candy Coated Kisses’ (written by DeVorzon and Crawford)
‘When I’m Gone’ (written by Bobby Bare and Bowman)

In February 1965, Bobby Bare & Skeeter Davis (Wednesday 30 December 1931 – Sunday 19 September 2004) saw the release of ‘Tunes For Two’ (RCA Victor Records, 1965), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘A Dear John Letter’, which was written by Billy Barton, Charles ‘Fuzzy’ Owen (Tuesday 30 April 1929 – Tuesday 12 May 2020) and Lewis Talley (No.11, 1965)

Bobby Bare & Skeeter Davis’ ‘Tunes For Two’ (RCA Victor Records, 1965) also included the following tracks:

‘Too Used To Being With You’, which was written by Andrew Jackson ‘Jack’ Rhodes (12 January 1907 – Wednesday 9 October 1968) and Don Carter
‘In The Misty Moonlight’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘We’ll Sing in The Sunshine’ (written by Gale Garnett)
‘I Don’t Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘True Love’, which was written by Cole Porter (9 June 1891 – Thursday 15 October 1964)
‘I Love You’
‘We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds’
‘Let It Be Me’
‘Together Again’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘That’s All I Want From You’
‘Invisible Tears’

In June 1965, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Constant Sorrow’ (RCA Victor Records, 1965), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Times Are Gettin’ Hard’ (written by Bobby Bare) (No.30, 1965)

‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’ (written by Bob Dylan) (No.7, 1965)

‘Just To Satisfy You’, which was written by Don Bowman and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (No.31, 1965)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Constant Sorrow’ (RCA Victor Records, 1965) also included the following tracks:

‘I’m A Man of Constant Sorrow’, which was written by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002)
‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ (written by Bob Dylan)
‘Lemon Tree’ (written by Will Holt)
‘So Soon’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) and Wayne Walker
‘One Day At A Time’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Delia’s Gone’ (arrangement by Bobby Bare)
‘I’m A Long Way From Home’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘The Deepening Snow’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Countin’ The Hours, Countin’ The Days’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016)

In January 1966, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘The Best of Bobby Bare’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966), which included the following tracks:

‘Detroit City’, which was written by Danny Dill (Friday 19 September 1924 – Thursday 23 October 2008) and Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) (No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1963) / the track also reached No.16 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1963

‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’ (written by Bob Dylan) (No.7, 1965)

‘Four Strong Winds’, which was written by Ian Tyson (Monday 25 September 1933 – Thursday 29 December 2022) (No.3, 1964) / this track also reached No.60 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1964

‘Miller’s Cave’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013) (No.4, 1964) / this track also reached No.33 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1964

‘I’d Fight The World’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Joe Allison (Friday 3 October 1924 – Friday 2 August 2002)

‘Times Are Gettin’ Hard’ (written by Bobby Bare) (No.30, 1965)

‘The All American Boy’ (written and sung by Bobby Bare, but credited by Fraternity Records to Bill Parsons, with songwriting credit to Bill Parsons and Orville Lunsford) (No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart, 1962) / the track also reached No.22 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in April 1959

‘Shame On Me’ (No.18 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1962) / the track also reached No.23 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1963

‘500 Miles Away From Home’, which was written by Hedy West (Wednesday 6 April 1938 – Sunday 3 July 2005) (No.5, 1963) / this track also reached No.10 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1963

‘Dear Wastebasket’

‘He Was A Friend of Mine’

‘When The Wind Blows In Chicago’

In 1965, Bobby Bare received two Grammy Award nominations, for ‘Best Country & Western Vocal Performance’ and ‘Best Country & Western Single’ for his rendition of Ian Tyson’s ‘Four Strong Winds’.

In February 1966, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Talk Me Some Sense’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Talk Me Some Sense’ (written by Keith Colley) (No.26, 1965)

‘Little Bit Later On Down The Line’ (written by Chip Taylor) (No.14, 1968)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Talk Me Some Sense’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966) also included the following tracks:

‘Passin’ Through’ (written by Bobby Bare)
‘You Can’t Stop The Wild Wind From Blowing’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015)
‘Got Leavin’ On Her Mind’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘Long Black Veil’, which was written by Danny Dill (Friday 19 September 1924 – Thursday 23 October 2008) and Marijohn Wilkin (Wednesday 14 July 1920 – Saturday 28 October 2006)
‘Heaven Help My Soul’ (written by Mac Gayden)
‘It Ain’t Me Babe’ (written by Bob Dylan)
‘All The Good Times Are Past & Gone’ (written by Howard Hausey)
‘What Colour (Is A Man)’ (written by Marge Barton)
‘Salt Lake City’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Ronnie Wilkins
‘(For A While) We Helped Each Other Out’, which wwas written by Bobby Russell (Friday 19 April 1940 – Thursday 19 November 1992)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Talk Me Some Sense’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966) reached No.6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1966.

It was also in 1966 when Bobby Bare received a Grammy Award nomination for ‘Best Country & Western Male Vocal Performance’ for his rendition of ‘Talk Me Some Sense’ (written by Keith Colley).

In September 1966, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘The Streets of Baltimore’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Streets of Baltimore’, which was written by Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013) and Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.5, 1966)

Bobby Bare’s ‘The Streets of Baltimore’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966) also included the following tracks:

‘Early Morning Rain’ (written by Gordon Lightfoot)
‘Houston’, which was written by Lee Hazlewood (Tuesday 9 July 1929 – Saturday 4 August 2007)
‘Saginaw, Michigan’ (written by Bill Anderson and Don Wayne)
‘Take Me Home To Mama’ (written by Bobby Bare)
‘Memphis, Tennessee’, which was written by Chuck Berry (Monday 18 October 1926 – Saturday 18 March 2017)
‘That’s How I Wanted It To Be’ (written by Al Gorgon and Chip Taylor)
‘Vincennes’ (written by Harold Spina)
‘Cold & Lonely City’ (written by Bobby Bare)
‘Changin’ My Mind’ (written by Al Gorgon)
‘There Ain’t No Fun In This Town’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Green Green Grass of Home’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016)

Bobby Bare’s ‘The Streets of Baltimore’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966) reached No.7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1966.

Jan Howard (Friday 13 March 1929 – Saturday 28 March 2020) recorded Bobby Bare’s ‘That’s Not My Problem Anymore’ and included the track on ‘Bad Seed’ (Decca Records, 1966).

Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Bobby Bare’s ‘Leavin’ Town’ and included the track on ‘Leavin’ Town’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966).

In December 1966, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘This I Believe’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966), an album of religious material, which included the following tracks:

‘Less of Me’
‘Tall Oak Tree’
‘When I’ve Learned Enough To Die’
‘Family Bible’
‘Lonesome Valley’
‘When God Dips His Love In My Heart’
‘Chicken Every Sunday’
‘I Saw The Light’
‘Steal Away’
‘He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands’
‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’
‘I’ll Fly Away’

Bobby Bare’s ‘This I Believe’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966) reached No.17 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1967.

In January 1967, Bobby Bare, Liz Anderson (Monday 13 January 1930 – Monday 31 October 2011) & Pretty Miss Norma Jean saw the release of ‘The Game of Triangles’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘The Game of Triangles’, which was written by Cyrus ‘Cy’ Coben (Friday 4 April 1919 – Friday 26 May 2006) (No.5, 1966)

‘Homesick’ (written by Billy Cole) (No.38, 1966)

Bobby Bare, Liz Anderson (Monday 13 January 1930 – Monday 31 October 2011) & Pretty Miss Norma Jean‘s ‘The Game of Triangles’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967) also included the following tracks:

‘One Among The Three of Us’, which was written by Vic McAlpin (Monday 4 February 1918 – Friday 18 January 1980)
‘The Wife of The Party’, which was written by Liz Anderson (Monday 13 January 1930 – Monday 31 October 2011)
‘Pursuing Happiness’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Guess I’ll Move On Down The Line’ (written by Ken Sonenberg and Martin Siegal)
‘Bye Bye Love’, which was written by Felice Bryant (Friday 7 August 1925 – Tuesday 22 April 2003) and Boudleaux Bryant (Friday 13 February 1920 – Thursday 25 June 1987)
‘Fairy Tale’, which was written by Liz Anderson (Monday 13 January 1930 – Monday 31 October 2011)
‘Three Mixed Up Hearts’, which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005)
‘Don’t Let That Doorknob Hit You’, which was written by Vic McAlpin (Monday 4 February 1918 – Friday 18 January 1980)
‘Which One Is To Blame’ (written by Red Stewart and Sunny Dull)

Bobby Bare, Liz Anderson (Monday 13 January 1930 – Monday 31 October 2011) & Pretty Miss Norma Jean‘s ‘The Game of Triangles’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967) reached No.18 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1967, and earned the trio a Grammy Award nomination.

In April 1967, RCA Victor Records released ‘Blue Side of Lonesome’ from Jim Reeves (Monday 20 August 1923 – Friday 31 July 1964); one of the included tracks was Bobby Bare’s ‘Teardrops On The Rocks’, which was co-written with Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992).

In June 1967, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘A Bird Named Yesterday’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967), which included the following tracks:

‘Somebody Bought My Old Hometown’
‘Ode To The Little Brown Shack Out Back’
‘Day The Saw Mill Closed Down’
‘Air Conditioner Song’
‘A Bird Named Yesterday’
‘I’ve Got A Thing About Trains’
‘Old Gang’s Gone’
‘They Covered Up The Old Swimmin’ Hole’
‘Church In The Wildwood’

Bobby Bare’s ‘A Bird Named Yesterday’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967) reached No.20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1967.

In November 1967, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘The English Country Side’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967), an album he recorded with The Hillsiders, a Liverpool, England-based country music band, which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Find Out What’s Happening’ (written by Crutchfield) (No.15, 1967)

Bobby Bare’s ‘The English Country Side’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967), an album recorded with The Hillsiders, also included the following tracks:

‘Y’all Come’ (written by Duff)
‘Love’s Gonna Live Here’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘I Love You Drops’ (written by Bill Anderson)
‘I Washed My Face In The Morning Dew’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Goin’ Home’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘The Great Snow Man’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016)
‘Blue Is My Lonely Room’ (written by Hill)
‘Release Me (& Let Me Love Again)’ (written by Miller and Stevenson)
‘Sweet Dreams’, which was written by Don Gibson (Tuesday 3 April 1928 – Monday 17 November 2003)
‘Six Days On The Road’ (written by Green and Montgomery)

Bobby Bare’s ‘The English Country Side’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967), an album recorded with The Hillsiders, reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1968.

Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Bobby Bare’s ‘Woman, Don’t You Ever Laugh At Me’ and included the track on ‘Hangin’ On’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968).

In April 1968, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘The Best of Bobby Bare, Volume 2’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Charleston Railroad Tavern’ (No.16, 1967)

‘Come Kiss Me Love’ (No.14, 1967)

‘Piney Wood Hills’ (No.15, 1967)

Bobby Bare’s ‘The Best of Bobby Bare, Volume 2’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968) also included the following tracks:

‘Houston’
‘In The Same Old Way’ (No.34, 1966) / this track was released originally in 1966 as a non-album single
‘Guess I’ll Move On Down The Line’
‘Streets of Baltimore’, which was written by Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013) and Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.5, 1966)
‘Delia’s Gone’
‘Game of Triangles’ (No.5, 1966)
‘Find Out What’s Happening’ (No.15, 1968)
‘They Covered Up The Old Swimmin’ Hole’
‘Vincennes’

Bobby Bare’s ‘The Best of Bobby Bare, Volume 2’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968) reached No.33 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1968.

Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Bobby Bare’s ‘Such A Waste of Love’ and included the track on ‘Only The Greatest’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968).

In August 1968, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ (RCA Camden Records, 1968), which included the following tracks:

‘Folsom Prison Blues’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003)
‘Autumn of My Life’ (written by Bobby Goldsboro)
‘Abilene’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016), Brown and Gibson
‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ (written by Bob Dylan)
‘Lemon Tree’ (written by Holt)
‘Try To Remember’ (written by Jones and Schmitz)
‘Silence Is Golden’ (written by Brown Jr.)
‘Gotta Travel On’ (written by Clayton, Lazar and Ehrlich-Six)
‘When Am I Ever Gonna Settle Down’ (written by Lomax and Large)
‘No Sad Songs For Me’ (written by Springfield)

In May 1969, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Margie’s At The Lincoln Park Inn’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘(Margie’s at The) Lincoln Park Inn’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021) (No.4, 1969)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Margie’s At The Lincoln Park Inn’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969) also included the following tracks:

‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
‘Son of Hickory Holler’s Tramp’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)
‘The Law Is For Protection of The People’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘Cincinnati Jail’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
‘Watching The Trains Go By’ (written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham)
‘Big Ben Colson’, which was written by Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013)
‘If There’s Not A Hell (There Ought To Be)’ (written by David Turner)
‘Skip A Rope’, which was written by Glenn Douglas Tubb (Saturday 29 June 1935 – Saturday 22 May 2021)
‘Wild As The Wind’ (written by Bobby Bare)
‘Drink Up & Go Home’, which was written by Johnny Bond (Tuesday 1 June 1915 – Monday 12 June 1978) and Joe Maphis (Thursday 12 May 1921 – Friday 27 June 1986)
‘Rainy Day In Richmond’ (written by Large, McBee and Lomax)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Margie’s at The Lincoln Park Inn’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969) reached No.39 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1969.

It was also in 1969 when Bobby Bare saw the release of a non-album track, ‘God Bless America Again’ (written by Bobby Bare and Boyce Hawkins), which reached No.16 on the Billboard country music singles chart; the track was subsequently included on ‘This Is Bobby Bare’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972), which was released in December 1972.

Jan Howard (Friday 13 March 1929 – Saturday 28 March 2020) recorded Bobby Bare’s ‘God Bless America Again’ (co-written with Boyce Hawkins) and included the track on ‘For God & Country’ (Decca Records, 1970).

In March 1970, Bobby Bare & Skeeter Davis (Wednesday 30 December 1931 – Sunday 19 September 2004) saw the release of ‘Your Husband, My Wife’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Your Husband, My Wife’ (written by Tony Wise and Irwin Levine) (No.22, 1970)

Bobby Bare & Skeeter Davis’ ‘Your Husband, My Wife’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970) also included the following tracks:

‘Before The Sunrise’ (written by Jerry McBee)
‘I Got You’ (written by Gordon Galbraith and Ricci Mareno)
‘I’m So Afraid of Losing You Again’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999)
‘Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘My Elusive Dreams’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015)
‘Let’s Make Love, Not War’, which was written by Skeeter Davis (Wednesday 30 December 1931 – Sunday 19 September 2004)
‘A Truer Love You’ll Never Find’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015)
‘Jackson’ (written by Billy Ed Wheeler and Gaby Rodgers)
‘There Never Was A Time’ (written by Myra Smith and Margaret Lewis)

It was also in 1970 when Bobby Bare moved from RCA Records to Mercury Records, and immediately scored a Billboard Top 3 country music hit single with ‘That’s How I Got To Memphis’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021) (No.3, 1970).

In July 1970, Bobby Bare saw the release of his first album for Mercury Records, ‘This Is Bare Country’ (Mercury Records, 1970), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘That’s How I Got To Memphis’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021) (No.3, 1970)

‘Come Sundown’ (written by Kris Kristofferson) (No.7, 1970)

Bobby Bare’s ‘This Is Bare Country’ (Mercury Records, 1970) also included the following tracks:

‘I’m Her Hoss If I Never Win A Race’ (written by Turner)
‘Mrs. Jones, Your Daughter Cried All Night’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘The Fool’ (written by Ford)
‘It’s Freezing In El Paso’, which was written by Billy Joe Shaver (Wednesday 16 August 1939 – Wednesday 28 October 2020)
‘Woman, You Have Been A Friend To Me’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Don’t It Make You Want To Go Home’, which was written by Joe South (Wednesday 28 February 1940 – Wednesday 5 September 2012)
‘I Took A Memory To Lunch’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Leaving On A Jet Plane’, which was written by John Denver (Friday 31 December 1943 – Sunday 12 October 1997)
‘Mary Ann Regrets’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)

Bobby Bare’s ‘This Is Bare Country’ (Mercury Records, 1970) reached No.37 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1970.

In January 1971, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Where Have All The Seasons Gone’ (Mercury Records, 1971), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends’ (written by Kris Kristofferson) (No.8, 1971) / this track was also recorded by Ronnie Milsap, who included it on ‘Pure Love’ (RCA Records, 1974)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Where Have All The Seasons Gone’ (Mercury Records, 1971) also included the following tracks:

‘Where Have All The Seasons Gone’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Travelin’ Minstrel Man’
‘Hello Darlin’
‘How About You’
‘Dropping Out of Sight’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Mama, Bake A Pie (Daddy, Kill A Chicken)’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘Roselee’
‘For The Good Times’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘Waitress At Main Street Cafe’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Where Have All The Seasons Gone’ (Mercury Records, 1971) reached No.44 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1971.

 

In July 1971, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘I Need Some Good News Bad’ (Mercury Records, 1971), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Short & Sweet’ (No.57, 1971)

Bobby Bare’s ‘I Need Some Good News Bad’ (Mercury Records, 1971) also included the following tracks:

‘West Virginia Woman’

‘Don’t You Ever Get Tired (of Hurtin’ Me)’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘In A Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007)

‘Million Miles To The City’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)

‘Jesus Is The Only One That Loves Us’
‘New York City Snow’
‘I Need Some Good News Bad’
‘Me & Bobby McGee’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘Good Christian Soldier’
‘Just The Other Side of Nowhere’
‘Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)

In April 1972, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘What Am I Gonna Do (Mercury Records, 1972), which was produced by Jerry Kennedy, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘What Am I Gonna Do’ (No.13, 1972)

Bobby Bare’s ‘What Am I Gonna Do (Mercury Records, 1972) also included the following tracks:

‘Darby’s Castle’
‘When Love Is Gone’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Lot of Soul’
‘Jesus Christ, What A Man’
‘Lonely Street’
‘Just In Case (A Night Like This One Never Comes Again)’
‘Lorena’
‘Roses Are Red (My Love)’
‘Love Forever’
‘When I Want To Love A Lady’

Bobby Bare’s ‘What Am I Gonna Do (Mercury Records, 1972) reached No.19 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1972.

It was also in 1972 when Bobby Bare scored a No.12 Billboard country music hit single with his version of Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show’s Billboard pop music hit single, ‘Sylvia’s Mother’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999); the track was subsequently included on ‘The Very Best of Bobby Bare’ (United Artist Records, 1975).

Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) recorded Bobby Bare’s ‘May God Bless America Again’ (co-written with Boyce Hawkins) and included the track on ‘God Bless America Again’ (Decca Records, 1972); the track featured guest vocals from Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993).

In 1973, after two years at Mercury Records, Bobby Bare returned to RCA Records and enjoyed a hit single with a cover of Billy Joe Shaver’s ‘Ride Me Down Easy’, which nearly made the Billboard country music Top 10 singles chart.

In March 1973, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘I Hate Goodbyes / Ride Me Down Easy’ (RCA Records, 1973), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘I Hate Goodbyes’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) (No.25, 1973)

‘Ride Me Down Easy’, which was written by Billy Joe Shaver (Wednesday 16 August 1939 – Wednesday 28 October 2020) (No.11, 1973)

‘You Know Who’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.30, 1973)

Bobby Bare’s ‘I Hate Goodbyes / Ride Me Down Easy’ (RCA Records, 1973) also included the following tracks:

‘What’s Your Mama’s Name Child’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Earl Montgomery
‘A Train That Never Runs’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
‘An Offer She Couldn’t Refuse’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
‘A Restless Wind’, which was written by Billy Joe Shaver (Wednesday 16 August 1939 – Wednesday 28 October 2020)
‘Send Tomorrow To The Moon’ (written by Roger Murrah)
‘Poison Red Berries’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
‘I’ll Love The Hurt Out of You’ (written by Lee Emerson)

Bobby Bare’s ‘I Hate Goodbyes / Ride Me Down Easy’ (RCA Records, 1973) reached No.31 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.

In November 1973, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Lullabys, Legends & Lies’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Daddy, What If’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.2, 1974) / this track also reached No.41 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1974 and featured guest vocals from Bobby Bare Jr.

‘Marie Leveau’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Baxter Taylor (No.1 for one week in July 1974) / this track was Bobby Bare’s only No.1 Billboard country music hit; songwriters Shel Silverstein and Baxter Taylor received a BMI Award for the song in 1975

Bobby Bare’s ‘Lullabys, Legends & Lies’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) also included the following tracks:

‘Lullabys, Legends & Lies’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Paul’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘The Wonderful Soup Stone’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘In The Hills of Shiloh’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Jim Friedman
‘She’s My Ever Lovin’ Machine’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘The Mermaid’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Jim Friedman
‘Rest Awhile’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Bottomless Well’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘True Story’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Sure Hit Songwriter’s Pen’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Rosalie’s Good Eats Cafe’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Lullabys, Legends & Lies’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1974 and was his most commercially successful album.

As a consequence, Bobby Bare gained a new audience, with American pop music radio once again playing his songs, and a new following with college kids.

However, ‘Daddy, What If’ (No.2, 1974) and ‘Marie Leveau’, both of which were written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.1 for one week in July 1974), would become Bobby Bare’s last Billboard country music Top 10 hit singles.

In August 1974, Bobby Bare With The Family saw the release of ‘Singin’ In The Kitchen’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974), an album recorded with his family, which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Where’d I Come From’ (No.41, 1974) / this track featured guest vocals from Bobby Bare Jr. and ‘Mama’

‘Singin’ In The Kitchen’ (No.29, 1975) / this track featured guest vocals from Bobby Bare’s Family

Bobby Bare’s ‘Singin’ In The Kitchen’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974) also included the following tracks:

‘Monkey & The Elephant’
‘Lovin’ You Anyway’
‘Ricky Tic Song’
‘Giving Tree’
‘You Are’
‘Unicorn’
‘Cloudy Sky’
‘She Thinks I Can’
‘Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)’
‘See That Bluebird’

Bobby Bare’s ‘Singin’ In The Kitchen’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974) included songs which were written mainly by his very good friend, Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and was a very successful album, peaking at No.27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1974.

Bobby Bare’s ‘Singin’ In The Kitchen’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974) was nominated for a Grammy Award in the ‘Best Group’ category at the Grammy Awards, but it was declined by Bobby Bare himself.  It was at this time, however, that Bobby Bare continued to record critically acclaimed albums and singles.

In April 1975, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Hard Time Hungrys’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Back Home In Huntsville Again’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.23, 1975)

‘Alimony’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.18, 1975)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Hard Time Hungrys’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975) also included the following tracks:

‘Hard Time Hungrys’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘The Farmer Feeds Us All’ (written by Ry Cooder)
‘Two For A Dollar’ (written by Bobby Gosh)
‘Daddy’s Been Around The House Too Long’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Warm & Free’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Able Bodied Man’, which was written by Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) and Jerry Foster
‘$100,000 In Pennies’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Bottles & Boxes’ (written by Roger Murrah)
‘Truck Driver, Truck Driver’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Unemployment Line’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Hard Time Hungrys’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975) reached No.33 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.

In November 1975, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Cowboys & Daddys’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Cowboys & Daddys’ (written by Marty Cooper) (No.29, 1975)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Cowboys & Daddys’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975) also included the following tracks:

‘Cowboy & The Poet (Faster Horses)’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)

‘High Plains Jamboree’ (written by Terry Allen)
‘Chester’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother’ (written by Ray Wylie Hubbard)
‘The Stranger’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Amarillo Highway’ (written by Terry Allen)
‘Speckled Pony’ (written by Dave Hickey)
‘Pretty Painted Ladies’ (written by Fred Koller)
‘He’s A Cowboy’, which was written by Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992) and Shirl Milete
‘Calgary Snow’ (written by Dave Hickey)
‘Last Dance At The Old Texas Moon’ (written by Bob McDill)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Cowboys & Daddys’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975) reached No.21 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.

In June 1976, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘The Winner & Other Losers’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘The Winner’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.13, 1976)

‘Put A Little Lovin’ On Me’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.23, 1976)

‘Dropkick Me Jesus’, which was written by Paul Craft (Friday 12 August 1938 – Saturday 18 October 2014) (No.17, 1976) / this track received a Grammy Award nomination in 1976

Bobby Bare’s ‘The Winner & Other Losers’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:

‘Climbin’ The Ladder & Climbin’ The Wall’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Baby Wants To Boogie’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Keeping Rosie Proud of Me’ (written by Troy Seals and Don Goodman)
‘Bald Headed Woman’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Vince’, which was written by Larry Wilkerson and Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Lost In Austin’, which was written by Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992) and Panama Red
‘Yes, Mr. Rogers’, which was written by Fred Koller and Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Brian Hennessey’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘My Better Half’ (written by Bobby Braddock)

It was also in 1976 when Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘This Is Bare Country’ (United Artists Records, 1976), which included the following tracks:

‘When I Want To Love A Lady’
‘Million Miles To The City’
‘Darby’s Castle’
‘Jesus Christ, What A Man’
‘Just In Case (A Night Like This One Never Comes Again)’
‘City Boy Country Born’
‘Roses Are Red (My Love)’
‘Lorena’
‘After The Divorce’
‘Lonely Street’
‘Short & Sweet’ / this track reached No.57 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1971

In January 1977, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Me & McDill’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977), an album which celebrated the song-writing genius of Bob McDill, which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Look Who I’m Cheating On Tonight’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.21, 1977)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Me & McDill’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:

‘If You Think I’m Crazy Now (You Should Have Seen Me When I Was A Kid)’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Hillbilly Hell’ (written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield)
‘Don’t Think You’re Too Good For Country Music (Just Because You Can Rock & Roll)’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Til I Get On My Feet’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Don’t Turn Out The Light’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Wilma Lou’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘You Made A Believer Out of Me’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘The Woman In Every Man’s Life’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Can’t Seem To Get Nowhere’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Tired of The Road, Joe’ (written by Bob McDill)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Me & McDill’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977) reached No.27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.

In 1977, Bobby Bare saw the release of a non-album track, ‘Vegas’, which reached No.30 on the Billboard country music singles chart; the track, which was a duet with his wife Jeannie, was subsequently included on ‘The Essential Bobby Bare’ (RCA Records, 1997), which was released on Tuesday 11 February 1997.

It was also in 1977 when Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Redneck Hippie Romance’, a non-album single, which reached No.85 on the Billboard country music singles chart.

In 1978, Bobby Bare signed with Columbia Records and saw the release, in April 1978, of the critically acclaimed, ‘Bare’ (Columbia Records, 1978), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Too Many Nights Alone’, which was written by Even Stevens and Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.29, 1978)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Bare’ (Columbia Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:

‘Big Dupree’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Finger On The Button’ (written by Larry Wilkerson)
‘The Gambler’ (written by Don Schlitz)
‘Yard Full of Rusty Cars’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Greasy Grit Gravy’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Childhood Hero’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘February Snow’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘This Guitar Is For Sale’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Fred Koller
‘Sing For The Song’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Bare’ (Columbia Records, 1978) reached No.44 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.

In October 1978, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Sleeper Wherever I Fall’ (Columbia Records, 1978), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Sleep Tight, Good Night Man’ (written by Jeff Silbar and S. Lorber) (No.11, 1978)

‘Healin’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.23, 1979)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Sleeper Wherever I Fall’ (Columbia Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:

‘Hot Afternoon (Arizona Desert)’ (written by Billy Ray Reynolds and Randy Albright)
‘What Did It Get Me’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) and R. Culiers
‘Goin’ Up’s Easy, Comin’ Down’s Hard’ (written by B. Millsap)
‘The Way I Feel Tonight’ (written by Don Cook)
‘Love Is A Cold Wind’, which was written by Rory Bourke and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021)
‘I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better’, which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 – Tuesday 17 May 2016)
‘The Last Time’ (written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richard)
‘On A Real Good Night’ (written by Rodney Crowell)

In 1979, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Til I Gain Control Again’ (written by Rodney Crowell), a non-album single, which reached No.42 on the Billboard country music singles chart.

 

In February 1980, Rosanne Cash saw the release of ‘Right Or Wrong’ (Columbia Records, 1980), which included ‘No Memories Hangin’ Round’ (written by Rodney Crowell); the track reached No.17 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980, and was subsequently included on Bobby Bare’s ‘Bare Tracks: The Columbia Years’ (Koch Records, 1999).

In March 1980, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Down & Dirty’ (Columbia Records, 1980), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Numbers’ (No.11, 1980)

‘Tequila Sheila’ (No.31, 1980)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Down & Dirty’ (Columbia Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:

‘Good For Nothing Blues’
‘Some Days Are Diamonds (Some Days Are Stone)’
‘Rock’s Star Lament’
‘Crazy Again’
‘Tecumseh Valley’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997)
‘Blind Willie Harper’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and J. Casey
‘Rough On The Living’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Down To My Last Come & Get Me’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Qualudes Again’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Goin’ Back To Texas’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘I Can’t Watch The Movie Anymore’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Down & Dirty’ (Columbia Records, 1980) reached No.21 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.

In September 1980, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Drunk & Crazy’ (Columbia Records, 1980), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Food Blues’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.41, 1980)

‘Willie Jones’ (written by C. Daniels) (No.19, 1980) / this track featured guest vocals from Charlie Daniels (Wednesday 28 October 1936 – Monday 6 July 2020)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Drunk & Crazy’ (Columbia Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:

‘Drunk & Crazy’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘The World’s Last Truck Drivin’ Man’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and R. Goldstein
I Can Almost See Houston From Here’ (written by R. Willis)
‘If That Ain’t Love’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Rock & Roll Hotel’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Song of The South’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Appaloosa Rider’ (written by G.M. Jones)
‘Bathroom Tissue Paper Letter’ (written by E.L. Pangborn)
‘Gotta Get Rid of This Band’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Drinkin’ & Druggin’ & Watchin’ TV’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Your Credit Card Won’t Get You Into Heaven’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘I’ve Never Gone To Bed With An Ugly Woman’ (written by R.C. Bannon)
‘Desperados Waiting For A Train’, which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 – Tuesday 17 May 2016)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Drunk & Crazy’ (Columbia Records, 1980) reached No.47 on the Billboard Top Country albums Chart in 1980.

In June 1981, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘As Is’ (Columbia Records, 1981), which was produced by Rodney Crowell, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Learning To Live Again’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.28, 1981)

‘Take Me As I Am (Or Let Me Go)’ (written by B. Bryant) (No.28, 1981)

‘Dropping Out of Sight’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021) (No.35, 1981)

‘New Cut Road’, which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 – Tuesday 17 May 2016) (No.18, 1982)

Bobby Bare’s ‘As Is’ (Columbia Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:

‘Dollar Pool Fool’ (written by W.M. Cowart)
‘Call Me The Breeze’, which was written by J.J. Cale (Monday 5 December 1938 – Friday 26 July 2013)
‘Let Him Roll’, which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 – Tuesday 17 May 2016)
‘She Is Gone’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Summer Wages’, which was written by Ian Tyson (Monday 25 September 1933 – Thursday 29 December 2022)
‘White Freight Liner Blues’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997)

Bobby Bare’s ‘As Is’ (Columbia Records, 1981) reached No.43 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981.

In March 1982, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Ain’t Got Nothin’ To Lose’ (Columbia Records, 1982), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘If You Ain’t Got Nothin’ (You Ain’t Got Nothin’ To Lose)’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015) and D. Wilson (No.31, 1982)

‘I’m Not A Candle In The Wind’, which was written by Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) and M.S. Rice (No.37, 1982)

‘Praise The Lord & Send Me The Money’ (No.83, 1982)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Ain’t Got Nothin’ To Lose’ (Columbia Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:

‘They Covered Up The Old Swimmin’ Hole’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘Isn’t That Just Like Love’ (written by Richard Leigh)
‘Goodnight Irene’, which was written by John Avery Lomax (23 September 1867 – Monday 26 January 1948) and Huddie William Ledbetter (Lead Belly) (20 January 1889 – Tuesday 6 December 1949)
‘Golden Memories’ (written by Lacy J. Dalton and John Fitzgerald)
‘I’ve Been Rained On Too’ (written by Jon Philibert)
‘Cold Day In Hell’
‘So Good To So Bad’

Bobby Bare’s ‘Ain’t Got Nothin’ To Lose’ (Columbia Records, 1982) reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.

 

In 1983, Bobby Bare saw the release of the single ‘It’s a Dirty Job’, which was a duet with Lacy J. Dalton and which reached No.30 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1983; the track was subsequently included on Lacy J. Dalton’s ‘Blue Eyed Blues’ (Columbia Records, 1987) and Bobby Bare’s ‘Bare Tracks: The Columbia Years’ (Koch Records, 1999).

It was also in 1983 when Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Drinkin’ From The Bottle’ (Columbia Records, 1983), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘The Jogger’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.29, 1983) / this track was Bobby Bare’s last Billboard Top 30 country music hit single

‘Diet Song’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.69, 1983)

Bobby Bare’s ‘Drinkin’ From The Bottle’ (Columbia Records, 1983) also included the following tracks:

‘Easy As Dreaming’ (written by Tom Ghent)
‘Rodeo Queen’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Me & Jimmie Rodgers’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Three Legged Man’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Jennifer Johnson & Me’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Fred Koller
‘Drinkin’ From The Bottle (Singin’ From The Heart)’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Someplace To Come When It Rains’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Stacy Brown Got Two’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Time’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

In 1985, Bobby Bare signed a recording contract with EMI America Records, where he scored three Billboard country music charted singles, none of which reached the upper regions of the chart.

Between 1983 and 1988, Bobby Bare hosted ‘Bobby Bare & Friends’ on The Nashville Network (TNN), which featured him interviewing songwriters who sang their hit songs on the show.

In 1998, Bobby Bare formed the band, Old Dogs, with his friends, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) and Jerry Reed Hubbard (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Monday 1 September 2008).

Signed in 1998 to Atlantic Records, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017), Bobby Bare and Jerry Reed (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Monday 1 September 2008) recorded ‘Old Dogs’ (Atlantic Records, 1998).

The album’s content was written primarily by author, poet and songwriter Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999).  Most of the group’s songs were based on the realisation of aging, after Bobby Bare told Shel Silverstein that there were ‘no good songs about growing old’.

‘Old Dogs’ (Atlantic Records, 1998) was recorded ‘live’ in studio, so audience applause can be heard between the tracks.  The two discs came in different cases, and had different album art for them.  The album was also issued as a single disc.

Waylon Jennings, Mel Tillis, Bobby Bare and Jerry Reed’s ‘Old Dogs’ (Atlantic Records, 1998) included the following tracks:

Disc 1
‘Old Dogs’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Come Back When You’re Younger’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘I Don’t Do It No More’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘She’d Rather Be Homeless’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Anne Dailey

‘Cut The Mustard’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Young Man’s Job’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘When I Was’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Couch Potato’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Hard When It Ain’t’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Jittabug’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Me & Jimmie Rodgers’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

Disc 2
‘Elvis Has Left The Building’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Wait Until Tomorrow’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘I Never Expected’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Ever Lovin’ Machine’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Slap My Face’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Old Man Blues’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Rough On The Livin’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Alimony’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Still Gonna Die’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Time’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

Single Disc Version
‘Old Dogs’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘I Don’t Do It No More’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘She’d Rather Be Homeless’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Anne Dailey

‘Cut The Mustard’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Young Man’s Job’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Me & Jimmie Rodgers’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Elvis Has Left The Building’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Rough On The Livin’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Still Gonna Die’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘I Never Expected’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

‘Time’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)

Personnel involved in the recording of Waylon Jennings, Mel Tillis, Bobby Bare and Jerry Reed’s ‘Old Dogs’ (Atlantic Records, 1998) included the following:

Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017), Bobby Bare and Jerry Reed (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Monday 1 September 2008) (vocals)
Pete Wade (electric guitar)
Thom Bresh (Monday 23 February 1948 – Tuesday 24 May 2022) (guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Fred Newell (guitar, steel guitar)
Bobby Emmons (electronic keyboard)
Jamey Whiting (keyboard)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
Jay Vern (organ)
Eddy Anderson and Michael Clarke (drums)
Jonathan Yudkin (fiddle)
Ron De La Vega (cello)
David L. Schnaufer (Jew’s Harp)
Gary Kubal (percussion)
Robert Lovett (bass, Dobro)
Jessi Colter, Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Bobby Bare Jr. (backing vocals)

On Tuesday 1 November 2005, Bobby Bare saw the release of his first new album in over twenty years, ‘The Moon Was Blue’ (Dualtone Music Group Records, 2005), which was produced by his son, indie rock and Bloodshot Records recording artist, Bobby Bare Jr., as well as Mark Nevers, who worked with groups Lambchop and Calexico.

Bobby Bare’s first new album in over twenty years, ‘The Moon Was Blue’ (Dualtone Music Group Records, 2005), included the following tracks:

‘Are You Sincere’ (written by Wayne Walker)
‘I Am An Island’, which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004)
‘Everybody’s Talkin’, which was written by Fred Neil (Monday 16 March 1936 – Saturday 7 July 2001)
‘Yesterday When I Was Young’, which was written by Charles Aznavour (22 May 1924 – Monday 1 October 2018) and Herbert Kretzmer, OBE (5 October 1925 – Wednesday 14 October 2020)
‘Love Letters In The Sand’, which was written by John Frederick Coots (2 May 1897 – Monday 8 April 1985), Charles F. Kenny and Nick A. Kenny
‘The Ballad of Lucy Jordan’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘My Heart Cries For You’, which was written by Percy Faith (7 April 1908 – Monday 9 February 1976) and Carl Sigman (24 September 1909 – Tuesday 26 September 2000)
‘It’s All In the Game’, which was written by Charles G. Dawes and Carl Sigman (24 September 1909 – Tuesday 26 September 2000)
‘Shine On Harvest Moon’ (written by Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth)
‘Am I That Easy To Forget’, which was written by Carl Robert Belew (Tuesday 21 April 1931 – Wednesday 31 October 1990), Shelby Singleton (Wednesday 16 December 1931 – Wednesday 7 October 2009) and W.S. Stevenson (1900 – 1978)
‘Fellow Travelers’, which was written by Allen Reynolds and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007)

Jamey Johnson recorded Bobby Bare’s ‘Cover Your Eyes’ (co-written with Wayd Battle and Jamey Johnson) and included the track on ‘CD1: The Black Album’ of a 2-CD set, ‘The Guitar Song (Mercury Nashville Records, 2010 / HumpHead Country Records, 2010).

On Saturday 4 February 2012, Bobby Bare joined up with Petter Øien at The 2012 Melodi Grand Prix to choose the song for Norway’s entry for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in May of that year.  Bobby Bare’s song, ‘Things Change’, got through to the Norwegian final, which was held on Saturday 11 February 2012.  In the final, Bobby Bare finished in third place.

On Tuesday 16 October 2012, Jamey Johnson saw the release of ‘Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran’ (Mercury Nashville Records, 2012); one of the included tracks was ‘I’d Fight The World’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and was a duet with Bobby Bare.