Roy Roberts (blues artist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roy Roberts
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Roy Roberts performs at Scripture Cake movie premiere
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| Background information | |
| Born | February 22, 1943 Livingston, Tennessee, United States |
| Genres | Blues, country |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | Early 1960s–present |
| Labels | Evidence |
Roy Roberts was born on February 22, 1943. He is an American blues musician, singer, and record producer. Roy grew up in Livingston, Tennessee, USA. He loved listening to blues and R&B music on the radio. When he was 14, he worked on a farm. He saved his money to buy his first guitar, a Sears Silvertone.
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Roy's Musical Journey
At 18, Roy left the farm. He moved to Greensboro, North Carolina to live with his uncle. He saw Jerry Butler perform at a club. This show inspired Roy to become a professional musician.
Roy worked hard to improve his guitar skills. He played in many local bands. Soon, he joined Guitar Kimbers’ Untouchables. This was a popular band in Greensboro. Roy then started playing guitar for famous artists. These artists would visit Greensboro for shows.
One famous artist, Solomon Burke, helped Roy a lot. Roy played bass guitar with Burke during a local concert. Soon after, Roy became Burke's touring guitarist. Roy also toured with other big names. These included Eddie Floyd, "Little" Stevie Wonder, Dee Clark, and Otis Redding. At the same time, Roy led his own band, The Roy Roberts Experience. They played in clubs and beach towns.
Making Records and Changing Styles
Roy started recording music in the mid-1960s. He mostly worked as a session musician. This means he played on other artists' songs. He played for Eddie Floyd, Dee Clark, Stevie Wonder, William Bell, Solomon Burke, and Otis Redding.
After Otis Redding passed away, Roy decided to sing his own songs. He released a song dedicated to Otis. This record came out on Nina Simone’s NinaAndy label. Roy then released many more singles into the 1970s.
During the disco music era, Roy tried something new. He started playing country music. He toured with O.B. McClinton and released several country songs. After a short break from music, Roy built a recording studio in Virginia in 1989. There, he produced gospel music for other artists. He also recorded his own gospel album.
In the early 1990s, Roy moved back to Greensboro. He built a new studio called Rock House Records. Roy records his own music there. He also produces albums for other musicians. Some of these artists include Priscilla Price, Lou Pride, Chick Willis, Skeeter Brandon, Floyd Miles, and Eddie Floyd. Roy has won many awards for his music and his work as a producer.
Roy Roberts' Music Albums
Here are some of the albums Roy Roberts has released:
- Introducing Roy Roberts - 1994
- A Woman Needs Love - 1995
- Roy Roberts Live - 1995
- Every Shade of Blue - 1997
- Deeper Shade of Blue - 1999
- Burnin’ Love - 2001
- Daylight with a Flashlight - 2003
- Partners and Friends - 2004
- By Request -The Best of Roy Roberts - 2005
- Sicily Moon - 2006
- Roy Roberts & Friends (Blues & Soul Review) - 2006
- Man with a Message (Gospel) - 2007
- It's Only You - 2008
- Strange Love - 2011
Roy's Music in Movies
Roy Roberts' music was featured in a movie called Scripture Cake. Dr. Emily D. Edwards wrote, directed, and produced this film. Six of Roy's songs were in the movie. Four were new songs he wrote. Two were instrumental songs, meaning they had no singing. He also sang a mix of gospel songs in the film.
Awards and Honors
Roy Roberts has received many awards for his contributions to music:
- 2001: Keeping the Blues Alive - Piedmont Blues Preservation Society
- 2002: Featured on the cover of The Living Blues Magazine
- 2002: The Living Blues Producer of the Year
- 2002: Artist Most Deserving of Wider Recognition
- 2002: Best Blues Album for Chick Willis' From the Heart & Soul (produced by Roy Roberts)
- 2003: Franco Rubegni Award (for spreading soul music)
- 2004: CBMA Blues Song of the Year for his song "I Slipped"
- 2006: CBMA Pioneer Award and was added to the Hall of Fame
- 2006: A highway sign was put up in his hometown of Livingston, Tennessee, honoring him.
