This unassuming commercial storefront, now little more than a shell, was home to the Boblo Records Studio, an obscure label which actually churned out a few recordings in the 1970s. Chet Bennett designed the studio for owner Bobby Smith, and is credited as producer, as well. One of the best known artists to record here was Jimmy “Orion” Ellis. Two of the first records to bear the Boblo Records label were “Mr. Boogie Man” and “Feel Like Being Funky” by Avalanche.
The studio was relatively short-lived, but its mere presence in Brunswick was quite amazing.
As always, there’s more to the story, especially when the story is about music. Judy Chartrand was Bobby Smith’s stepdaughter and notes that “he also had a studio in Macon Georgia. Bobby Smith passed away in October 2012. He was truly a kind man who loved the music he produced. He went beyond recording, producing, and managing, he helped many of singers financially when they were starting out.“
“When he was 27 years old he was in a tragic car crash. Everyone died, but Bobby survived and was in the hospital for, i believe 3 months. He lost one of his eyes in the crash. It was after that, that he went into the recording business. A friend at the time, Wayne Cochran, asked Bobby to come along on his journey and wrote the song “Last Kiss” on their drive to Atlanta. The song was about Bobby and the car crash that killed the young lady he was supposedly on a date with.“
“There are so many things that are not being said. Otis Redding started out with Bobby. I heard that he had called Bobby, and wanted to work with him again before he was killed. There are many stories behind Otis Redding.“
My Stepfather’s studio. He also had a studio in Macon Georgia. Bobby Smith passed away in October 2012.
He was truly a kind man who loved the music he produced. He went beyond recording, producing, and managing, he helped many of singers financially when they were starting out.
When he was 27 years old he was in a tragic car crash. Everyone died, but Bobby survived and was in the hospital for, i believe 3 months. He lost one of his eyes in the crash.
it was after that, that he went into the recording business. A friend at the time Wayne Cochran asked Bobby to come along on his journey and wrote the song “Last Kiss” on their drive to Atlanta. The song was about Bobby and the car crash that killed the young lady he was supposedly on a date with.
There are so many things that are not being said. Otis Redding started out with Bobby. I heard that he had called Bobby, and wanted to work with him again before he was killed. There are many stories behind Otis Redding.
Hi Judy – I’m a researcher of independent record labels during the 1970s – I came across a couple records produced at your stepfathers studio and wanted to learn more. Would you be interested in talking more?
I would be happy to give any information you would like. However, it would be better if you spoke with my Mom. She knows more details.
I was a session musician there for many sessions. Bobby was a unique individual. What a history he had. For Brunswick to have a studio like that in that era was amazing.
Rings a bell…