Interview - Bobby Horton of Birmingham, AL
Within moments of meeting Bobby Horton, it becomes obvious that you are in the presence of an extraordinary person who has built a remarkable life around himself. His cheerful demeanor is downright contagious - he has so much to smile about that you can't help but smile along with him. A contributing factor to his happiness is Bobby's success as a professional musician, a career forged by hard work, faith and determination. His passion for history led him to compile and record his "Homespun Songs of the Civil War," a multi-disc collection of songs written during the time of the war between the states that come to life through his authentic arrangements and live performances. He has since expanded his "Homespun Songs" series to include songs from other historical eras. He has arranged and produced music for a number of Ken Burns' PBS documentaries, including The Civil War and Baseball. On top of that, he still manages to find the time to play with his band, Three on a String, who have been performing throughout North America for over three-and-a-half decades. And to think that is only the tip of the iceberg! I have never met a harder worker than Bobby - in my opinion, his work ethic and prolific output is akin to that of the great Johann Sebastian Bach. I am excited to have this valuable insight into the mind of such an incredible musician, and it is with great pleasure that I present this interview to you.
When did music become a regular part of your life? Who and/or what inspired you to start making music?
I grew up seeing my Dad's trumpet (he let me "mess" with it -- polish it, etc.) so I naturally assumed that I would be a trumpet player. My grandfather played "old tyme" banjo so I assumed I would play that as well. I dabbled as a fairly young child with instruments but did not really start to play until I was in the 5th grade. Mom and Dad played music at the house -- they had a good collection of "big band" recordings and a few of country artists (like The Delmore Brothers, etc.). I played them over and over and grew to love them.
What was your learning process? Are you self-taught, or did you take lessons? How do you continue your music education?
I joined the band at Charles A. Brown grammar school while in the 5th grade. I had a fantastic band director named Joel B. Harrison. He hammered us with music fundamentals, such as rhythm studies -- even today I thank him for his positive influence on my playing. I played throughout high school in the band and even played four years in the college band. In college I took classes in theory and composition but majored in Accounting and Economics. I took up guitar, bass, and banjo while in high school and was self guided in that quest.
While a freshman in High School I played quite a few jobs with several old guys who were jazz players. They did not use charts, so I had to learn how to play my horn by working in the chord progressions -- I learned more music with these guys in a very short time than I had learned throughout my "formal" processes.
I work on getting better every day: I currently am trying to teach myself classical violin. I play every time I have a chance -- usually in the mornings from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and try to get as much playing time as I can.
What are your goals pertaining to music and how close are you to reaching your goals?
My goal in music is to play music for a living until the market retires me, and to constantly learn and play at an ever higher level. I am in no way close to being as good a musician as I wish to be -- in fact I'll never get there.
What are some of the pros and cons of pursuing a full-time music career?
The "pros" of playing music for a living are many. Most importantly, I love my work! Music is the most satisfying activity I could ever do -- when I am "off" and could do anything I want to, I play the violin. To get paid to do the thing you love most to do is most gratifying. I also have the opportunity to meet many nice people and to see parts of the country that I otherwise would not get to see.
The "cons" of making music for a living are many as well. When the economy goes down, musicians are among the first to feel it, for people realize very quickly they don't have to have what I produce. Business is only as good as your next job. It doesn't matter to an audience how great the last show went - you have to "prove" yourself each time you go out (that is not necessarily a bad thing - fear makes you be your best). Another con is that you are working when most of your "real world" friends are off and vice versa. Also budgeting for your household is almost impossible -- you have to be disciplined in handling your money so you can be prepared for the times when work is "down." If you are a self-employed musician, you have to take care of your retirement plans, the government makes you pay 100% of your social security taxes, and you have to handle all aspects of health care insurance, etc.
It is not easy to make a living as a musician, but it is a challenge that I enjoy because I get to play music for a living!!
When the going gets tough, what inspires you to continue your musical pursuits?
When the going gets tough, I am inspired to get through it because I do love it so!! I am forced to be the best I can be, musically as well as utilizing other skills such as PR, marketing, etc. -- fear is a great motivator.
My faith teaches me to always ask for help and guidance for I am not smart enough to know what to do on my own. I have been so richly blessed for all my life and this faith gives me confidence as I continue to make a living in a field that is not known for having much security.
To date, what has been your greatest moment in music?
I have had so many gratifying moments in music, I don't think I could come up with a single "greatest moment."
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I would advise young musicians to realize that music is a life-time pursuit. You do not have to make your living from music to enjoy playing it for your entire life. If one aspires to be a full-time musician, I suggest a music degree only if you intend to go into "formal" music settings, such as teaching, orchestral, or church music. Otherwise I think a young person should get a "legit" degree, such as accounting, marketing, etc. so he or she can get a good paying "legit" job -- all the while playing and improving musically the whole time.
I think one should not go "full-time" until you can go into it on your own terms and play the music you want to play. Some of the most unhappy people I know are ones who do not have a degree and get stuck playing music they do not like or enjoy and have to do this to "get by." These people eventually learn to despise the thing they love the most -- playing music.
Bobby Horton
When did music become a regular part of your life? Who and/or what inspired you to start making music?
I grew up seeing my Dad's trumpet (he let me "mess" with it -- polish it, etc.) so I naturally assumed that I would be a trumpet player. My grandfather played "old tyme" banjo so I assumed I would play that as well. I dabbled as a fairly young child with instruments but did not really start to play until I was in the 5th grade. Mom and Dad played music at the house -- they had a good collection of "big band" recordings and a few of country artists (like The Delmore Brothers, etc.). I played them over and over and grew to love them.
What was your learning process? Are you self-taught, or did you take lessons? How do you continue your music education?
I joined the band at Charles A. Brown grammar school while in the 5th grade. I had a fantastic band director named Joel B. Harrison. He hammered us with music fundamentals, such as rhythm studies -- even today I thank him for his positive influence on my playing. I played throughout high school in the band and even played four years in the college band. In college I took classes in theory and composition but majored in Accounting and Economics. I took up guitar, bass, and banjo while in high school and was self guided in that quest.
While a freshman in High School I played quite a few jobs with several old guys who were jazz players. They did not use charts, so I had to learn how to play my horn by working in the chord progressions -- I learned more music with these guys in a very short time than I had learned throughout my "formal" processes.
I work on getting better every day: I currently am trying to teach myself classical violin. I play every time I have a chance -- usually in the mornings from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and try to get as much playing time as I can.
What are your goals pertaining to music and how close are you to reaching your goals?
My goal in music is to play music for a living until the market retires me, and to constantly learn and play at an ever higher level. I am in no way close to being as good a musician as I wish to be -- in fact I'll never get there.
What are some of the pros and cons of pursuing a full-time music career?
The "pros" of playing music for a living are many. Most importantly, I love my work! Music is the most satisfying activity I could ever do -- when I am "off" and could do anything I want to, I play the violin. To get paid to do the thing you love most to do is most gratifying. I also have the opportunity to meet many nice people and to see parts of the country that I otherwise would not get to see.
The "cons" of making music for a living are many as well. When the economy goes down, musicians are among the first to feel it, for people realize very quickly they don't have to have what I produce. Business is only as good as your next job. It doesn't matter to an audience how great the last show went - you have to "prove" yourself each time you go out (that is not necessarily a bad thing - fear makes you be your best). Another con is that you are working when most of your "real world" friends are off and vice versa. Also budgeting for your household is almost impossible -- you have to be disciplined in handling your money so you can be prepared for the times when work is "down." If you are a self-employed musician, you have to take care of your retirement plans, the government makes you pay 100% of your social security taxes, and you have to handle all aspects of health care insurance, etc.
It is not easy to make a living as a musician, but it is a challenge that I enjoy because I get to play music for a living!!
When the going gets tough, what inspires you to continue your musical pursuits?
When the going gets tough, I am inspired to get through it because I do love it so!! I am forced to be the best I can be, musically as well as utilizing other skills such as PR, marketing, etc. -- fear is a great motivator.
My faith teaches me to always ask for help and guidance for I am not smart enough to know what to do on my own. I have been so richly blessed for all my life and this faith gives me confidence as I continue to make a living in a field that is not known for having much security.
To date, what has been your greatest moment in music?
I have had so many gratifying moments in music, I don't think I could come up with a single "greatest moment."
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I would advise young musicians to realize that music is a life-time pursuit. You do not have to make your living from music to enjoy playing it for your entire life. If one aspires to be a full-time musician, I suggest a music degree only if you intend to go into "formal" music settings, such as teaching, orchestral, or church music. Otherwise I think a young person should get a "legit" degree, such as accounting, marketing, etc. so he or she can get a good paying "legit" job -- all the while playing and improving musically the whole time.
I think one should not go "full-time" until you can go into it on your own terms and play the music you want to play. Some of the most unhappy people I know are ones who do not have a degree and get stuck playing music they do not like or enjoy and have to do this to "get by." These people eventually learn to despise the thing they love the most -- playing music.
Bobby Horton
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