Born in 1923 with a career that started in the 1950s and is still going strong, it’s a wonder that Bob Dorough isn’t more widely known. The only way I can think of describing him, which will probably only help the British readers, is as a Southern US version of George Melly. A fine (if unusual) singer and supremely talented songwriter his style engages you from the first note; I have a weakness for anyone who doesn’t lose their accent when they sing and the Arkansas drawl is always evident!
His 1956 debut album “Devil May Care” is the album I’d recommend starting with as the selection of songs is dazzling: Old Devil Moon, It Could Happen to You, I had the Craziest Dream are the opening three!
His later albums are more of a mixed bag and, much like Tom Waits, his voice is unrecognisable to the earlier recordings. That’s not to say there isn’t gold contained on them, a particular favourite of mine being the song “There’s Never been a Day”.
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