Dobby Dobson facts for kids

Highland Ralph Dobson (born July 5, 1942 – died July 21, 2020) was a famous reggae singer and music producer from Jamaica. People often called him "The Loving Pauper." This nickname came from one of his most well-known songs. He was also honored with the Order of Distinction, a special award in Jamaica.

Dobby Dobson's Musical Journey

Early Life and First Songs

Dobby Dobson started singing when he was a student. He sang in the choir at Kingston College. He also joined a talent show called Opportunity Hour with his group, The Twilights. While still in school, he wrote a doo-wop song called "Cry a Little Cry." He wrote it as a tribute to his biology teacher.

He formed a group called Dobby Dobson and the Deltas to record this song. One of the members, Howard Barrett, later joined the famous group The Paragons. The song was released in 1959 and quickly became a number one hit in Jamaica.

Becoming a Solo Star

After school, Dobby Dobson continued making music. He first sang as part of a duo called Chuck and Dobby. Then, in the early 1960s, he started his solo career. He worked with important music producers like Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid. He also sang with groups like The Virtues and The Sheiks.

His song "Loving Pauper," recorded with Duke Reid, became his signature tune. Even with his music success, Dobby Dobson also worked as a salesman. He was also a proof-reader for The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper.

In 1971, he recorded "That Wonderful Sound." This song sold over 40,000 copies in the Caribbean. His next hit, "Endlessly," was also very popular. It even became a small hit in the UK Singles Chart in the United Kingdom.

From Singer to Producer

Even though his songs were popular, his albums did not sell as well as he hoped. This led Dobby Dobson to start producing music for other artists. He helped produce albums for The Meditations in the late 1970s. He also worked with a young artist named Barrington Levy.

In 1979, Dobby Dobson moved to New York City. There, he worked in real estate. However, he still loved music and would visit recording studios. He also performed at big music festivals like Reggae Sunsplash and Reggae Sumfest. He remained popular with fans around the world and continued to release new albums.

In 2009, Dobby Dobson was featured in a special 3D documentary. It was called Dobby Dobson: An Interview with Jamaica's Music Ambassador.

A Special Award

On August 6, 2011, Jamaica celebrated its 49th year of independence. On this day, Dobby Dobson received a special award. The Governor-General of Jamaica gave him the Order of Distinction. This award recognized his important contributions to reggae music. It also honored his role in representing Jamaican culture.

Later in his life, Dobby Dobson became a born-again Christian. He recorded several gospel albums, sharing his faith through music.

Passing Away

Dobby Dobson had Alzheimer's disease. He sadly passed away on July 21, 2020. He died from COVID-19 in a hospital in Coral Springs, Florida. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida.

Albums

Dobby Dobson released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of them:

• Wonderful Sound (1970), Success
• Strange (1970), Pama
• God Bless Our Love, Straker's
• Baby I'm Yours (1977), WIRL/Double-D
• Something Old Something New (1977), Double-D
• Sweet Dreams (1978), Federal
• Dobby Dobson (1978), Gorgon
• Oh God, Are You Satisfied (1978), United Artists
• Sweet Christmas (1978), Top Ranking (featuring Ringo)
• Lovers Roots (198?), Success – split with Rupie Edwards
• Nothing But Love Songs Vol.3 (1980), Pioneer International
• For Lovers Everywhere (1983), K&K
• Sweet Dream Again! Volume 2, Pioneer International
• Love You Thru It All, Studio One
• History For Lovers (1990), Shelly's
• At Last (1994), Angella
• If I Only Had Time (1997), Angella
• Hide Under The Bed (2001), Innerbeat
• Lovers Prayer (2005)
• Those Days are Gone (2006)
• He Knows My Heart (2008), Dobby Dobson
• Tomorrow (2007), Dobby Dobson
• Love Songs for Jesus (2008), Dobby Dobson
• You Raised Me Up
• A Songs For Everyone (2011), MVD
• I'm Just a Nobody (2012)
• Desperation (2012), Dobby Dobson
• i can't breathe (2020), Dobby Dobson
• T.N.T (1942), AC/DC

Compilations

• Through The Years (1991), Studio One
• Best of Dobby Dobson (1997), Super Power
• Greatest Hits (1997), Sonic Sounds
• The Vintage Series (2000), VP
• The Best of Dobby Dobson (2001), TP

See also

In Spanish: Dobby Dobson para niños