Bobby Horton in his Studio When I first called Bobby, I began to realize how hectic his life must be during the holidays. So I was truly grateful when he found time to do this interview. Seeing Bobby’s studio and hearing him play his beloved instruments added more to the words he used to talk about music, his life, and his passion for his faith.

Janine: Bobby, please tell us about your love for your music. What is your particular specialty? Tell us about the instruments that you play and the band that has been so much a part of your life.

Bobby: When I was a child, my father had a trumpet that was dear to him. I never heard him play because when he returned from World War II he no longer had his bottom front teeth. He allowed me to “mess with” his horn whenever I wanted. I naturally assumed I would learn to play this thing. I have been playing horn ever since.

Bobby's Drum My Grandfather played the 5-string banjo and I liked the sound very much. He played an “old timey” style that harkened back to the 19th Century. He learned this method from his father, who learned from his dad.

When I was in the seventh grade, several of my buddies and I formed a kid Dixieland band. We played for groups like the Optimist Club, etc. We even played the national convention of that group in Jackson, MS!! From then on I was hooked on performing.

I played formally all the way through college on the trumpet (symphonic, marching band, concert band, jazz band, etc.). I picked up guitar and bass in the 9th grade – played in a folk group, rock and roll (trumpet, drums and high singing) – got caught by my Mom playing in a night club when a freshman in high school ( I will not elaborate on this funny story as it embarrasses Mom).

While at Samford University I helped pay tuition by working at Alabama Music Center. I also had a small scholarship to play the trumpet, was the band librarian, taught music lessons, and began making money playing in a group called Three On A String. Jerry Ryan and I started playing together at a folk festival at a neat place on Chandler Mountain in North Alabama.

Jobs just kept on coming and eventually I left my job programming main frame computers at Liberty National Life Insurance Company in 1978 to be a full-time musician. I have never looked back. The LORD moves in mysterious ways!!!
We have played for 35 plus years all over the United States and Canada for all types of venues (concerts, conventions, symphony pops series, and music festivals). The smallest crowd we ever played for was 2!! The largest crowd to ever hear us was 102,000!! After all these years, it is still great fun.

Booby Playing Guitar in Studio Janine: What about your own music business- writing, playing, mixing/creating and producing your own works?

Bobby: In addition to playing with the band, I have several “balls” in the air. As a lover of history, I researched and recorded music that was sung and played during the War Between the States. Since 1985, I have produced sixteen albums of “period” music from the North and South. These recordings are literally sold all over the world (one of my best dealers is in Berlin).

Because of the success of these recordings, I travel and perform “period” concert-lectures on this music. I dress as a nineteenth century performer, use period-specific instruments and tell the story through music of these incredible heroes from that awful war of 1861-1865. I have performed at many universities from San Diego State, New York University, Princeton, Stanford, etc. I have also been a regular on all three of the Delta Queen Company Steamboat Company, and many, many other venues.

I also produce music scores for films. I am blessed to have a production studio here in my home and do my work here. I play quite a few instruments and do all the playing and singing myself ( thanks to the magic of multi-track recording equipment). I am currently working on my tenth project for film maker Ken Burns. He has allowed me to do music for The Civil War, The History of Baseball, Thomas Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Stanton-Anthony, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mark Twain, Horatio’s Drive, World War II (scheduled to air in 2007), and I am currently working on The History of the National Parks. I have done work for A & E Network, twenty plus films for The National Park Service, and many others. I enjoy this work so much! I can’t believe The LORD has sent so many blessings to me!!

Bobby Playing in Studio Janine: Where do you get the inspiration for your work?

Bobby: I love history and music. I am inspired by many, many great people who have gone before us. My mortal hero is an incredible Christian gentleman named Robert E. Lee. I have loved this man since I was a child. General Lee lived his faith in his everyday life. Though an admitted sinner, he tried to live each day as Jesus commanded us all to live.

For example: One day in 1870 (five years after Appomattox), while president of Washington College, the General attended a vestry meeting of the Episcopal Church on the campus. He did not feel at all well, but went anyway {This was his duty. General Lee always said that duty is the most sublime word in the language – one should always do his duty- one should never expect to do less}. While at the meeting he stated to his fellow deacons that the greatest calling a man can have in this life is to bring his fellow man to Jesus Christ. Lee told them that their minister had answered this call and that the minister did not make enough money to support his family.

The General then proposed to raise the minister’s salary. He then plopped money from his own savings account (he could ill afford this offering) to start the ball rolling. After the General had finished his remarks, the vestry voted a raise! The meeting ended, General Lee walked home, laid down on his sofa and had a fatal stroke. This was one incredible man!!

Regarding music, I am inspired by all great musicians that I have the privilege to hear. Thanks to my wonderful parents, I learned at a young age to love ALL forms of music and fortunately I have had the opportunity to play most kinds.
Classical music is my ultimate form of music. I am awed by the masters (especially Mozart). My greatest enjoyment in music comes from playing the Classical violin -- I am not very good, but I love it!

Bobby Horton Janine: I would say that your general audience does not know that you have a college degree in accounting. Would you like to say something about that or share a little of that “story” and your wisdom on education/training?

Bobby: I always advise young people who want a career in music to get a degree in some “legitimate” area so they can get a good job that gives some modicum of decent income – then go into music on their terms. The worst thing that can happen to a talented young person is to get locked into a situation where they have to play things they do not enjoy -- at that point they get to “hate” the thing they love to do the most – PLAYING MUSIC!!

I do have a degree in accounting and an almost masters in business (I lacked nine hours). Through God’s blessings, I had an opportunity to go into music on my terms and it has afforded me a decent living for thirty five years.

Janine: What are the greatest joys in your work?

Bobby: I do my hobby for a living - I get to meet many, many neat people and share some really satisfying time with them.
I also love getting to tell the stories of historical characters that I have learned to love and to perform the music that sustained them in the hard times is a thrill!

Janine: Our theme this issue is “Epiphany, Wisdom, and White.” While Epiphany is not only a season of the church year, it also can mean an “aha.” Do you have any special “aha” moments that you would like to share with us? Perhaps an “aha” moment having to do with your faith or that place where faith and life intersect? Or perhaps a time where God/the Holy Spirit somehow “made contact” with your heart?

Bobby: Jesus Christ has been my Savior since I was a little kid. Through the example of many family members, such as Mom, Momma and Papa Camp, plus the many Christian heroes such as General Lee, Stonewall Jackson, etc. it was apparent that my greatest aspiration was to try to be a Christian in my life. However, I am a sinner and a hypocrite – though I really try not to be. I suppose I really take a lot for granted since I have assumed that this Christian thing is THE REAL DEAL!

I don’t have room here to tell the two events – let me just say that on two separate occasions I was “touched” by the Holy Spirit and I will never, ever forget it.

I am truly not worthy of the many blessings The Heavenly Father has given me and my family – but I am truly thankful.

Janine: I am so fortunate to know your special family. Will you tell us about them?

Bobby: My wonderful wife Lynda and I have been married for thirty four years and she is my best friend. Our son, Jon, is now 28 and is married to a sweet, talented young lady named Lauren. Rachel is my baby. She is now twenty five and will marry a fine young man named Russ Mitchell on February 24, 2007.

My parents are Edward and Clara Horton. They are both eighty eight and are both in good health. I owe them so much for they were the finest parents I could ever have! I had an incredibly happy childhood with many opportunities in music, sports, and many, many other areas. They always encouraged me. They made many sacrifices for me. I could never pay them back. I am truly blessed yet again.

Editor’s Note: It was and always is hard for me to tell which affects me the most when I think of and talk with Bobby. Is it his passion for music and his joy in the arranging/writing and playing of it? Is it his obvious delight as an entertainer, or is it the love that he has for each of his instruments and the stories that they all carry? Could it be his fervor for the “song” of the South? Or is it the forcefulness with which he continually talks about his blessings and his gratitude to God?

I have since decided that it is the “whole story” of the person that emerges through everything. It is Bobby’s very own “song” of using his gifts-for-and-from God that creates the portrait of his faith, heart, and life as an artist.

<<Back to Archive

View for Printing

Contributors
Staff
Advertising
Internships

Send this Page to a Friend

Add Me to Mailing List