Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)

Subject: Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)
From: GUEST,Gene
Date: 09 May 12 - 01:19 PM

Kenny Roberts (October 14, 1927 – April 29, 2012)

Born George S. Kingsbury Jr., he was best-known for his 1949 hit "I Never See Maggie Alone." He was one of the last country singers to specialize in the legendary vocal technique of the blue yodel. Inspired by Yodeling Slim Clark, Jimmie Rodgers, and several of the singing cowboys, Roberts first came to prominence in the late '40s.

Over the years he built up a fan base through his recording, frequent tours, and his appearance at yodeling concerts. Though he never had many hits -- he only charted four times, between 1949 and 1950 -- he nevertheless remained a popular concert attraction well into the '80s.

Roberts was born in Lenoir City, TN, yet he was raised on a farm outside of Greenfield, MA. He became part of the Down Homers, a local group who had a regular gig at WKNE, a New Hampshire radio station. Later in Fort Wayne, IN, The Down Homers regularly played a show called the Hoosier Hop.

Roberts moved to St. Louis, where he appeared regularly on several
different shows on KMOX, as well as the CBS Saturday morning show
Barnyard Frolics.

His career took off in 1949, as his single "I Never See Maggie Alone"
reached number four on the country charts in the summer. The flip side, "Wedding Bells," also was a hit, reaching number 15, while his second single, "Jealous Heart," reached number 14. In the spring of 1950, "Choc'late Ice Cream Cone" became his second Top Ten single; it would also prove to be his last charting single.

Following his chart success, Roberts moved to Cincinnati, where he had a show on WLW Cincinnati and appeared regularly on the Midwestern
Hayride. He became a big regional star through his television shows in Dayton, OH (which became his home in 1952), Indianapolis, Indiana, and Saginaw, MI.

Roberts continued to appear regularly on daytime Midwestern television -- and, as of 1962, WWVA's Wheeling Jamboree -- until the mid '60s.

====

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)
From: Arkie
Date: 09 May 12 - 01:52 PM

Have some good memories of Kenny Roberts made sweeter and more vivid because he accepted my invitation to perform at the Folk Center in Arkansas on several occasions. Very gracious and generous with his time for fans and concert guests and fellow performers. He left a wonderful legacy. Gene, thanks for posting.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 May 12 - 03:07 PM

I liked Kenny Roberts very much. I never learned to yodel properly- but it wasn't because I didn't try.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 May 12 - 04:00 PM

As he said: I was born to yodel, I was born to sing.

RIP & thanks for the music

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)
From: gnu
Date: 09 May 12 - 04:56 PM

He could do both well. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)
From: Gene
Date: 13 May 12 - 05:04 AM

I Never See Maggie Alone and Choc'late Ice Cream Cone at Utube.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swOGmtC2H4k



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77kSbnkVoFw



G

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 12 - 04:04 PM

people might enjoy this recent radio show i uploaded. there will be plenty on Kenny roberts in my new book YODEL IN HIFI. Thanx.

enjoy... http://www.mixcloud.com/wreckthismess/wreck-yodelin-kenny-roberts/

bart plantenga

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenny Roberts (1927-2012)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 12 - 04:09 PM

can't seem to embed the link but anyway, here is my kenny roberts homage radio show...

http://www.mixcloud.com/wreckthismess/wreck-yodelin-kenny-roberts/