Bob Childers
November 20, 1946 – April 22, 2008
Oklahoma singer-songwriter Bob Childers passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 of emphysema and related lung disease. Childers was a the so-called godfather or Red Dirt Music, a hard to define sub-genre of country/Americana that includes elements of country, rock and folk. After touring much of the country’s dive bars and honky tonks through the ’70s, Childers released his debut album at the dawn of the ’80s. Over his career, he wrote over 1500 songs and earned accolades from no less than fellow Oklahoman, Garth Brooks who wrote a song with him. He was even invited to perform at the White House in 1982. 2004 saw the release of Restless Wind – A Tribute To The Songs of Bob Childers, a 3-CD set that included Jimmy Lafave, Cross Canadian Ragweed and The Red Dirt Rangers.
DOB 11/20/1946
Bob Childers~~The Restless Spirit is restless no more~~May you sing with the angels, Bob. God bless your family that you leave behind, and long live your music.
“Woka Hey”, (Don’t Be Afraid), my friend. You are at peace now.
Bob’s spirit, and therefore the eye with which he saw the world, was a clear as an Oklahoma sky half an hour after a thunderstorm.
Many singer songwriters owe their path to those who went before, but Bob truly walked “Woody’s Road.”
Playing “Texas Eagle” on repeat.
Thank you, Bob, for the gift that IS your music and your friendship and mentoring of many, many musicians who fill this world with joy.
The thought of never seeing Bob @ a show again makes me just want to cry. Even in most recent times when it was hard on him to grace the stage his presence alone made everyone’s music better. Bob was the firebrand that set it all on fire, always has been.
If not for Bob’s influence, the newer generation of Red Dirt artist who came to the scene via The Farm may never have found this sound at all.
I owe Bob a huge debt of gratitude for being the Godfather of the music that moves me.
Bob was a gentle spirit, a wise man, and as kind as they come. He will be missed for his calming presence, intuition, and genuine soul. Thank you for so many wonderful memories on the road during the first days of the Woody tour.
Bob had a beautiful spirit and will always be missed. It was a pleasure to know him and I can’t hardly wait to hear what him and Woody have been writing.