Grand Ole Opry

Bobby Bare grew up in Ironton, Ohio with a rough upbringing. His mother died when he was five years old and his father could not bring in enough money which resulted in the family separating. By the age of 15, Bare could be found earning a living working in factories and farms. With a passion for music but no money to purchase instruments he built his first guitar and soon joined a local band in his late teens.

Bare's first hit "The All American Boy" was released in 1959 and became a hit single in the U.S. that December. His success was put on hold when he was drafted into the armed forces. After returning from duty Bare became roommates with Willie Nelson. He started going on tours with stars like Roy Orbison and Bobby Darin as a pop singer. Performing and writing pop brought Bare the success he had wished for but he wanted to return to his original passion, country music.

In 1962, Chet Atkins signed him to RCA Records where he released his hit "Shame on You." Bobby released his first double album in 1973 titled Bobby Bare Sings, and Legends and Lies. The album engrossed audiences as arguably the first country concept album. The album caught the interest of more than just country fans and gained airplay on FM stations.