While old men sat on the courthouse lawn trading foxhound stories
and spittin' tobacco juice, the same 12 year old boy would meander
to the depot and watch those awesome steam engines that he would
sing about in his biggest country hit 'Detroit City'.
Times unnumbered, you would sit in Grandma Bare's kitchen, stuffing yourself on what you said were the world's greatest biscuits and gravy, not knowing that you and your own family would grace an album cover entitled 'Singin in the kitchen'.
As you went from neighbor to neighbor pickin' your guitar and singin' your heart out, those very simple and hard working folks knew you had something special going for you, but they never dreamed that someday their own kin would sing to millions of people all over the world.
I've read stories of country music legend for years but I knew this one first hand - the Bobby Bare story is as real as any poverty to fame I've ever known.
I love you, your uncle, Steve Bare
Dear Bobby,
I had loved your music ever since first hearing "Detroit City", but had no idea how great your live concerts were, until July 4th, 1978 at Camden Park. From that day on I was hooked, traveling anywhere I possibly could to see your shows. I have now attended about 40 and hope to see at least that many more. Each show is just as exciting as the first.
For years you have been one of the most respected artists in country music, the reason being not only your tremendous talent, but the fact that you are a unique and genuinely caring person, always more than willing to help others.
Over the years you have been a good-will ambassador for Ironton, never failing to mention it as your home town. You have millions of fans and you can bet every one of them has heard of Ironton, OH. I am very pleased that the people here are showing their appreciation by honoring you with "Bobby Bare Boulevard". The honor is certainly well deserved.
Congratulations and please never, ever change.
Your devoted fan, Josephine O'Meara, Chesapeake, OH
Bob,
to begin with, it would take 10 lbs. of paper to write everything
good I could say about you. But first and most of all is the kindness
and caring I've seen through the years. Probably the same thing that
millions of other people have also seen.
My fondest memories of you are that you always carried me around on your shoulders and always watched out for me when I was young. I will always have the respect, admiration and love for you that any brother could have.
Lawrence Bare
Bobby,
I remember as a girl growing up on Prickly Ash you come around to our house, my father would tune up your guitar, my mother would make you peanut butter fudge and everyone would sing. I remember seeing you with your fishing pole looking for a place to fish. I also remember the times you would come home and how we would sneak around the hills just to get a glimpse of you. And the time you came home from California you brought Jeannie home with you, you were driving a new 1964 blue Cadillac. We were so thrilled, because you just didn't see a car like that on Prickly Ash. We all love you and are so proud of you. You have come a long way.
Your old neighbor and fan, Loretta Stamper Martin.
Dear Bob,
I remember lots of things we did, like the paddling we both got in school for throwing paper wads at the girls, how you played the guitar and we both sang for school assemblies and how we used to sit on the shuffle board at Culligans and drink beer and play the guitar and sing. I remember lots of other sings, but I might get us both in trouble if I tell them.
You're a great friend! Teddy Bamer