Tobi Lark facts for kids

Tobi Lark, born Bessie Grace Gupton in 1941, is a talented singer from America who later moved to Canada. She is famous for her soul and gospel songs. You might also know her by her other names, Bessie Watson and Tobi Legend. In 1970, her song "We're All in This Together" became a top hit in Canada. Another one of her well-known songs is "Time Will Pass You By." This song is a classic in the Northern soul music scene. She recorded it in 1968, thinking it was just a practice recording. It was later released without her permission under the name Tobi Legend.

Tobi Lark's Early Life and Music Journey

Tobi Lark, whose birth name is Bessie Grace Gupton, was born in Alabama. Her mother, Emma Washington, was also a gospel singer. Tobi grew up in Detroit and started singing very young. She first performed in her mother's choir, the Emma Washington Gospel Singers.

She toured with her mother's group for ten years, starting when she was just nine years old. Her first professional job was singing backup for the famous musician B. B. King.

First Recordings and Stage Performances

In 1963, Tobi made her first recordings as Bessie Watson. She released a song called "'Deed I Do" with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. After that, she released two more songs, "I'm in Your Corner" and "Wake Up Crying."

Later, as Tobi Lark, she recorded several more songs. These were released on different music labels. Even though these songs didn't become big hits, Tobi kept performing. She shared the stage with many famous artists. These included the Impressions, the Four Tops, Ben E. King, Wilson Pickett, King Curtis, and Duke Ellington.

Moving to Canada and a Northern Soul Classic

In the mid-1960s, Tobi Lark moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with her young son. She performed in clubs and at Expo 67, a big world fair. Later, she moved to Toronto to work with musician Ronnie Hawkins.

She then got a main role in the musical Hair in Toronto. After that, she started her own show called the Armageddon Revue. This show was at the Blue Orchid club in Toronto.

The Story Behind "Time Will Pass You By"

In 1968, Tobi recorded "Time Will Pass You By" in Detroit. This song was written by John Rhys Eddins, Nick Zesses, and Dino Fekaris. The song was released by Mala under the name "Tobi Legend." At first, it wasn't very popular.

However, in the early 1970s, the song became a huge hit in the UK. It was loved by fans of the Northern soul music scene. "Time Will Pass You By" became one of the "Three Before Eight" songs. These were the last three songs played at every all-night dance event at the Wigan Casino club. The song is now featured on many Northern soul music collections. These include The Best Northern Soul All-Nighter ... Ever! and The Wigan Casino Story.

A Song Like a Shakespeare Sonnet

A newspaper writer named Laura Barton compared "Time Will Pass You By" to a Shakespeare sonnet. She said the song is about how precious life is. It encourages people to live their lives better and brighter.

The song's verses talk about time passing, like seasons fading away. Then the chorus comes in, telling us to "Open up your eyes and see it baby." It reminds us that "Life is just a precious minute baby."

Later Career and Performances

After "Time Will Pass You By," Tobi Lark went back to using her name Tobi (or Toby) Lark. She released three more songs with Cotillion Records. These were "Shake A Hand" (1969), "Just To Hold My Hand" (1970), and "We're All in This Together" (1970).

Her song "We're All in This Together" was recorded live. It featured a large choir at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Toronto. This song reached number 38 on Canada's national RPM singles chart in November 1970.

Tobi Lark continued to perform in Toronto, Windsor, and Detroit. She worked with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and other singers, including Kenny Rogers. In 1995, she recorded a live CD. She also performed at the Toronto Blues Society's Women's Blues Revue.