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, 1942 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, born on February 22, 1942, is an American blues musician. He is also a record producer and a singer-songwriter. Roy grew up in Livingston, Tennessee, listening to blues and R&B music on the radio. When he was 14, he worked on a farm to buy his first guitar, a Silvertone from Sears.
Contents
Roy Roberts' Musical Journey
Starting Out in Music
At 18, Roy moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, to live with his uncle. He decided to become a musician after seeing Jerry Butler perform at a club. Roy practiced his guitar a lot and played in bands. Soon, he got a job with a local band called Guitar Kimbers’ Untouchables. This helped him start playing with bigger artists who visited Greensboro.
Touring with Famous Artists
A famous singer named Solomon Burke helped Roy a lot. Roy played bass guitar with him during a show. Soon after, Roy became Solomon Burke's main guitarist on tour. Roy then toured with other well-known artists like Eddie Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Dee Clark, and Otis Redding. At the same time, he also led his own band, The Roy Roberts Experience. They played in clubs and beach towns in the Southeast.
From Session Musician to Solo Artist
In the mid-1960s, Roy started recording music. He often worked as a session musician, playing guitar for artists like Eddie Floyd, Dee Clark, Stevie Wonder, William Bell, Solomon Burke, and Otis Redding.
After Otis Redding passed away, Roy was inspired to sing his own songs. He released a song dedicated to Otis Redding on Nina Simone’s NinaAndy label. This was a success, and Roy released many more singles into the 1970s. During the disco era, Roy tried country music. He toured with O.B. McClinton and released several country songs.
Building Studios and Producing Music
After a short break from music, Roy built a recording studio in Virginia in 1989. There, he produced gospel music for other artists and even recorded his own gospel album.
In the early 1990s, Roy moved back to Greensboro. He built another recording studio called Rock House Records. Besides recording his own music, Roy has produced albums for many artists. Some of these include Priscilla Price, Lou Pride, Chick Willis, Skeeter Brandon, Floyd Miles, and Eddie Floyd. Roy has won many awards for his music and for producing records.
Roy Roberts' Albums
Roy Roberts has released many albums over the years. Here are some of them:
- 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 Roberts in Movies
Roy Roberts' music was featured in the movie Scripture Cake. This film was written, directed, and produced by Dr. Emily D. Edwards. Six of Roy's songs were in the movie. Four were new songs he wrote, and two were instrumental pieces. He also sang a mix of gospel songs in the film.
Awards and Recognition
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, which Roy produced
- 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, dedicated to him.
