Music Man—Another Side of Bill Dobbins
As a nice change from organizing my Pump & Circumstance notes for the November issue, I went to hear renowned female physique photographer Bill Dobbins sing and play the guitar at a cute little club in Hollywood called The Gig on Wednesday night. Yes, you read that right, and before you ask—he was terrific. Blew me away, man. I mean, like, who knew?
I did know that Bill had been a performer and had appeared in the musical Hair way back when, but his history as a folk, rock and blues singer-songwriter in the ’60s and ’70s (my kind of music) came as a complete surprise—although not a shock. Bill is an amazing guy when you consider all he’s accomplished in his role as world-famous physique photographer and writer. His books, including those written with Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as his photo essays highlighting the muscular female physique, set him apart on their own. That he was one of the first in the bodybuilding industry to use the Internet successfully both as a commercial venture and as a dispenser of information has always impressed me (find him at www.BillDobbins.com and www.BillDobbins.net). The music just extends those talents in another direction.
After a long layoff from performing, during which he became that world-famous physique photographer we all know, Bill got onstage again just a few months ago. You’d never have known it from his strong performance of original songs the other night. The audience at The Gig included an interesting array of Bill’s friends from the bodybuilding world and beyond. IRON MAN publisher John Balik was there with his wife Stephanie and Scott Hagerman of CHEMI Nutra. Betty Weider, with iron game historians and Arnold Strongest Man organizers Terry and Jan Todd and Betty’s niece Theresa Katz, also came out to enjoy Bill’s performance, as did fitness celebs Cynthia Bridges and Brenda Kelly, writer Brooks Wachtel (“Dogfights”) and director Jon Zeiderman. Fitness model Viviana Soldano and actress Cassandra Creech, both of who have appeared recently in IRON MAN via Dobbins photos, were on hand, as were Robin Coleman, a former World’s Strongest Woman contender, and a few other folks I didn’t recognize across the darkened venue.
A very nice break indeed, but now it’s back to the column. To hear Bill’s music—and read about his fascinating years in the music business—click on to www.BillDobbinsMusic.com.
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6 Responses to “Music Man—Another Side of Bill Dobbins”
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Great blog on Bill’s gig! If I didn’t know who Bill was, I would have thought it was a photo of a cleaned-up Neil Young. Nice photo Dad! I went Bill’s music website and really enjoyed his songs. I guess the best way to describe who Bill’s voice reminds me of is a mixture of Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. I can easily relate to one song in particular, “Poor Howard Went to War,” WOW! Being retired Air Force and experiencing at least two major combat incidents, Bill’s song could have easily been about me. Now it’s about the 3,732 American fallen heroes as of August 26, 2007 (source:www.antiwar.com/casualties). On a lighter note, I particularly enjoyed “Sweet, Sweet Carolina.” Check out all of Bill’s songs; a little bit for everyone to enjoy. Keep singing Bill!
Bill is perhaps the iconic photographer of the bodybuilding business. For those of you who have not seen among his finest work, it is deserving of a wing in a fine museum. I personally was astounded not that long ago that he was such a sensational musical star as well. Sadly I could not be there that evening but there will be another time I am sure. I am proud to count Bill Dobbins as a friend!
I have known about Bill’s talent as a singer/songwriter for as long as I have known him and I am thrilled that he has gone back to his love of music …. beautiful, indeed!
Congradulations Bill!
It was SO wonderful seeing Bill on stage – several years ago i was privy to witnessing his music at a slightly lesser known venue… his home! I was picking up a photo CD and got a concert! I’m so glad I was able to make that event, and I look forward to more soon.
Robin
I have been honoured to have the experience of Bill Dobbins playing to me personally many times. Bill has always been an “undiscovered” diamond to me. Why he isn’t household material is beyond my comprehension of his West Coast neighborhood. Someone needs to put him mainstream immediately. His clear voice, compassionate self-composed lyrics and talent are timeless and priceless.