Bobby Bare Biography
Bobby Bare is an American country singer and songwriter who was born and brought up in Ironton, Ohio, United States of America. He is widely known for the songs “Marie Laveau”, “Detroit City”, and “500 Miles Away from Home”. He is considered to be one of the most influential country music artists of all time.
Bare had his first major success in 1957 with the rockabilly song “The All American Boy”. In the early 1960s, he began to focus on country music, and released a string of hits, including “Marie Laveau”, “Detroit City”, and “500 Miles Away from Home”.
Bare is known for his eclectic taste in music, which has incorporated elements of rockabilly, country, folk, and pop. He is also known for his honest and often humorous songwriting. In addition to his own recordings, Bare has also written songs for other artists, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Merle Haggard.
In 2013, Bare was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He is one of the most respected and influential artists in country music history, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.
10 Quick Facts About Bobby Bare
Bobby Bare Age
Bare is 88 years old. He was born on April 7, 1935, in Ironton, Ohio, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 7 April every year and his birth sign is Aries.
Bobby Bare Height
Bare stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.77 m).
Bobby Bare Weight
Bare Weighs 64 kg (141 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Bobby Bare was born on 7 April 1935, in Ironton, Ohio. He had a difficult childhood, marked by poverty and the death of his mother when he was five years old. His father was unable to care for the children himself, so Bobby and his siblings were split up. Bobby was sent to live with his grandparents in nearby Kentucky.
Despite his difficult circumstances, Bobby found solace in music. He began playing guitar at a young age and writing his own songs. In 1953, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He signed a record deal with Capitol Records, but his first few singles were unsuccessful.
In 1957, Bobby had his first major success with the rockabilly song “The All American Boy.” The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the record label mistakenly credited the song to Bobby’s friend, Bill Parsons.
Rise to Fame
Bobby Bare’s rise to fame began in the late 1950s with the rockabilly song “The All American Boy.” The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but the record label mistakenly credited the song to Bobby’s friend, Bill Parsons.
In the early 1960s, Bobby began to focus on country music. He signed with RCA Records and released a string of hits, including “Marie Laveau,” “Detroit City,” and “500 Miles Away from Home.” These songs were all top ten hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Bobby’s success was due in part to his unique vocal style and his ability to blend different genres of music. He was also known for his honest and often humorous songwriting. His songs often dealt with themes of poverty, love, and loss.
Bobby Bare Family, Parents
Bare was born and raised by his parents in Ohio. Our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Bobby’s parents is still unclear. It is also not known if he has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.
Bobby Bare Wife
Bobby is currently married to his wife Jeannie Sterling Bare. The couple tied the knot in 1964 and are still together to date. They are blessed with a son Bobby Bare Jr. His son is also a musician best known for the songs “Marie Laveau”, “Detroit City” and “500 Miles Away from Home”.
Bobby Bare Net Worth
Bare has an estimated net worth of $5 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a country singer and songwriter. Through his various sources of income, Bobby has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Bobby Bare Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Bobby.
Bobby Bare Wiki

- Full Names: Robert Joseph Bare Sr.
- Popular As: Bobby Bare
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Country Singer and Songwriter
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight or Gay
Bobby Bare Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 88 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Date of Birth: April 7, 1935
- Place of Birth: Ironton, Ohio, United States
- Birthday: April 7
Bobby Bare Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 9 inches (1.77 m)
- Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Grey
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Bobby Bare Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Not Known
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Husband/Spouse: Married to Jeannie Sterling Bare
- Dating / Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Sons (Bobby Bare Jr.) Daughter(s) (None)
Bobby Bare Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $5 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Country Singer and Songwriter
Bobby Bare Music Career
Bare’s big break in country music came when Chet Atkins signed him to RCA Victor. His debut single for the label was 1962’s “Shame On Me”. Follow-up “Detroit City” reached No. 6 Country, No. 16 Hot 100, and in 1964 earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country and Western Recording.
Then a surge of hits followed, including “500 Miles Away from Home” (based on a traditional folk ballad written by Hedy West as “500 Miles”) and Ian Tyson’s “Four Strong Winds”.
After two years at Mercury, Bare returned to RCA in 1973 and scored once more with Billy Joe Shaver’s “Ride Me Down Easy”, which nearly made the Top 10. Bare started to release novelty songs recorded live with selected audiences.
One such song, “Marie Laveau”, topped the country chart in 1974; the song remains Bare’s only #1 hit. It was co-written by his friends Silverstein and Baxter Taylor, who received a BMI Award for the song in 1975.
In 1980, he almost cracked the Top 10 with “Numbers”, which came from his album Down and Dirty. On that album, Bare started to experiment with Southern rock, which continued with his following album, Drunk and Crazy. The next year, Bare returned to his country roots with his Rodney Crowell-produced album As-Is, featuring the single “New Cut Road”.
Bare was still doing well chart-wise into the early 1980s. In 1983, his duet with Lacy J. Dalton, “It’s A Dirty Job”, hit the Top 30. His last trip into the Top 30 came that summer with the novelty song “The Jogger”. He also released “Used Cars”, the theme song from the film of the same name.
In January and February 2012, Bare joined up with Petter Øien at the 2012 Melodi Grand Prix to choose Norway’s entry to the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in May. His song Things Change got through to the Norwegian final where Øien and Bare finished third.
On April 10, 2013, the CMA announced that Bare would be a 2013 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Other 2013 Inductees include Cowboy Jack Clement and Kenny Rogers. He has performed with other artists including Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton
Bobby Bare “Marie Laveau”
This was bobby’s only number one and the final top ten countries hit. It was written by Shel Silverstein and Baxter Taylor. “Marie Laveau” went to number one for a single week and spent a total of 18 weeks on the country charts.
Bobby Bare 500 Miles From Home
Robert wrote and released this song in 1963 and became commercially successful hitting the top 10 in the United States, Billboard Hot 100, as well as at the top 5 on both Country and Contemporary Charts.
Bobby Bare Detroit City
Bare released this song in May 1963 in Nashville Tennessee under the RCA Victor Label. The song hit Billboard Hot 100 in the United States as well as a top 5 on the United States Billboard Adult Contemporary
Bobby Bare Film Career
Bare was also given an opportunity to star in movies. He acted in a Western with Troy Donahue, A Distant Trumpet, and had a memorable scene being branded for desertion and a few episodes of the TV series No Time for Sergeants. He turned his back on Hollywood to pursue his country’s career.
Bobby Bare Songs
Bobby Bare has recorded over 50 albums and released over 100 singles. Here are some of his most popular songs:
- Marie Laveau (1962)
- Detroit City (1963)
- 500 Miles Away from Home (1965)
- Miller’s Cave (1966)
- Four Strong Winds (1967)
- How I Got to Memphis (1970)
- Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends (1971)
- Come Sundown (1974)
- The Winner (1976)
- Drop Kick Me, Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life) (1976)
- I’m Not What I Used to Be (1979)
Other notable songs by Bobby Bare include:
- Daddy, What If
- Alimony
- Sylvia’s Mother
- Singin’ in the Kitchen
- Some Days Are Diamonds (Some Days Are Stone)
- Song of the South
- Redneck Hippie Romance
- Vegas
- Great American Saturday Night
- I Still Miss Someone
- One Piece at a Time
Bobby Bare Albums
- 1963 Detroit City And Other Hits,500 Miles Away from Home
- 1964 The Travelin’ Bare
- 1965 Tunes for Two (with Skeeter Davis), Constant Sorrow
- 1966 The Best of Bobby Bare, Talk Me Some Sense, The Streets of Baltimore, This I Believe
- 1967 The Game of Triangles (with Norma Jean & Liz Anderson), A Bird Named Yesterday, The English Country Side (with The Hillsides)
- 1968 The Best of Bobby Bare – Volume 2
- 1969 (Margie’s At) The Lincoln Park Inn,(And Other Controversial Country Songs)
- 1970 Your Husband My Wife (with Skeeter Davis), Real Thing, This Is Bare Country
- 1971 Where Have All the Seasons Gone, I Need Some Good News Bad
- 1972 What Am I Gonna Do?, High and Dry
- 1973 I Hate Goodbyes / Ride Me Down Easy, Bobby Bare Sings Lullabys, Legends, and Lies
- 1974 Singin’ in the Kitchen (Bobby Bare and Family)
- 1975 Hard Time Hungry, Cowboys and Daddys
- 1976 The Winner and Other Losers
- 1977 Me and McDill
- 1978 Sleeper Wherever I Fall
- 1980 Down & Dirty, Drunk & Crazy
- 1981 As-Is
- 1982 Ain’t Got Nothin’ to Lose
- 1983 Drinkin’ from the Bottle
- 1998 Old Dogs (with Waylon Jennings, Jerry Reed, & Mel Tillis)
- 2005 The Moon Was Blue
- 2012 Darker Than Light
- 2017 Things Change
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Bobby Bare is a well-traveled man, and his music reflects his many experiences around the world. Here are some of his most notable travel events and experiences:
- In the early 1960s, Bare toured extensively throughout Europe. He performed in major cities such as London, Paris, and Rome. He also performed for American troops stationed overseas.
- In 1965, Bare visited Mexico. He was inspired by the Mexican culture and music, and he wrote several songs about his experiences. One of his most popular songs, “500 Miles Away from Home,” was inspired by a trip to Mexico City.
- In 1966, Bare visited Vietnam. He performed for American troops fighting in the Vietnam War. He also wrote several songs about his experiences, including “Come Sundown” and “Drop Kick Me, Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life).”
- In the late 1970s, Bare toured Australia and New Zealand. He was very popular in these countries, and he performed to sold-out crowds.
- In the 1980s and 1990s, Bare continued to tour extensively throughout the United States and Canada. He also performed in Europe and Asia.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Bobby Bare is a generous philanthropist and a strong supporter of many charitable causes. He is particularly passionate about helping veterans, children, and musicians in need.
One of Bare’s most notable philanthropic efforts was his involvement with the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). He was a founding member of the VVA and a lifelong supporter of veterans. He performed at numerous VVA events and fundraisers, and he donated money to support the organization’s programs and services.
Bare was also a strong advocate for children. He worked with several charities that support children in need, including the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network. He also performed at numerous charity concerts and fundraisers for children’s causes.
In addition to his work with veterans and children, Bare was also a strong supporter of musicians in need. He was a founding member of the Music City Cares Fund, a charity that provides financial assistance to musicians who are unable to work due to illness or injury. He also donated money to other charities that support musicians in need, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund.
Bobby Bare was a true American music legend, and he was also a generous philanthropist and a strong supporter of many charitable causes. His social impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Here are some specific examples of Bobby Bare’s philanthropic and charitable work:
- In 1966, Bare visited Vietnam to perform for American troops. He was so moved by the experience that he wrote several songs about the war, including “Come Sundown” and “Drop Kick Me, Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life).” He also became a vocal advocate for veterans, and he worked with several veterans’ organizations to support veterans and their families.
- In 1975, Bare released the album Bobby Bare and Friends, which featured collaborations with Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings. The album was a commercial success, and the proceeds from the album were donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
- In 1980, Bare released the album Drunk and Crazy, which was a departure from his usual country sound. The album was a commercial success, and the proceeds from the album were donated to the Music City Cares Fund.
- In 1993, Bare was awarded the Wrangler National Patriot Award for his work on behalf of veterans and their families.
- In 2013, Bare was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He used his induction speech to raise awareness of the Music City Cares Fund and to encourage others to support musicians in need.
Bobby Bare Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Bobby Bare has received numerous awards and accomplishments throughout his career, including:
- Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording (1964) for “Detroit City”
- Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2013)
- BMI Icon Award (2004)
- CMT Career Achievement Award (2003)
- ACM Pioneer Award (1997)
- Wrangler National Patriot Award (1993)
Bare has also been nominated for numerous other awards, including:
- Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance – Male (1965, 1966)
- Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Single (1965)
- Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (1968, 1975)
- Country Music Association Awards for Album of the Year (1973, 1975)
- Academy of Country Music Awards for Top Male Vocalist (1973, 1974, 1975, 1976)
In addition to his musical awards, Bare has also been recognized for his contributions to other fields. In 1993, he was awarded the Wrangler National Patriot Award for his work on behalf of veterans and their families. He has also been honored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Council of Traditional Arts.
Legacy
Bobby Bare is one of the most influential and respected country music artists of all time. He is known for his unique vocal style, his honest and often humorous songwriting, and his willingness to experiment with different genres of music.
Bare’s legacy is extensive and includes the following:
- He was one of the first country music artists to incorporate elements of rockabilly, folk, and pop into his music. This helped to broaden the appeal of country music and attract new listeners.
- He was a gifted songwriter who wrote many classic country songs, including “Detroit City,” “500 Miles Away from Home,” and “Come Sundown.” His songs have been covered by many other artists, and they continue to be popular today.
- He was a successful recording artist who released over 50 albums and had over 100 singles on the charts. He won a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1964 for his song “Detroit City.”
- He was a popular performer who appeared on numerous television shows and performed at major venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall.
- He was a mentor to many young artists, and he helped to shape the sound of country music for generations.
Hobbies and Interests
- Music: Bare is passionate about music, and he loved to play guitar and sing. He also enjoyed writing songs and collaborating with other musicians.
- Literature: Bare is a well-read man, and he enjoyed reading fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. He was particularly interested in American history and culture.
- Travel: Bare loved to travel, and he had the opportunity to visit many different countries throughout his career. He was particularly fond of Mexico and Australia.
- Philanthropy: Bare is a generous philanthropist, and he was involved in a number of charitable causes. He was particularly passionate about helping veterans, children, and musicians in need.
- Spending time with family and friends: Bare is a devoted husband and father, and he cherished the time he spent with his loved ones. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, and he was known for his sense of humor and his love of storytelling.
Quotes
“I’m not a songwriter, I’m a song thief. I steal melodies and lyrics from other songs and put them together in a different way.”
“I’m not a country singer, I’m a singer who sings country songs.”
“I’m not afraid to be different. I’ve always done my own thing.”
“I’ve never written a song that I didn’t think someone else could do better than me.”
“I’m not a star, I’m just a guy who sings songs.”
“I’m not a rich man, but I’m rich in friends.”
Final Thoughts
Bobby Bare is a true American music legend. He is a gifted singer, songwriter, and performer. He is also a generous philanthropist and a strong supporter of many charitable causes. His legacy is one of innovation, creativity, and compassion. He is an inspiration to us all.
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