Bobs, as I’ve always known them, are people called Bob. It’s how you would call out to them at a party or on the phone.
A few examples to illustrate the point from this list: I would call Bob Dylan Bob, not Robert. The same is true for the late Bob Uecker. These are great examples because both of their legal names are Robert, but that’s not what they go by.
Meanwhile, Roberts – consider Downey Jr., or De Niro, or the late Redford – are people who I wouldn’t dream of calling Bob. These folks are Roberts.
With my semantic criteria out of the way, here, in alphabetical order, are my favorite real Bobs.
Bob Dylan – artist
I liked Bob Dylan. I remember as a teenager passing a Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits cassette back and forth with some friends. But it wasn’t until sometime in my 30s that I really became more interested in his work. I read books about him, namely “Chronicles” and “Dylan Goes Electric!”
Eventually, I listened to his discography and I started learning to play more of his songs. I think he’s an icon of art because he didn’t want to be an icon. Yet despite the fame heaped upon him, he stayed true to his artist self. It’s something I wish more artists would do, and which I aspire to maintain.
Bob Geldolf – musician
Had he only written the iconic “I Don’t Like Mondays,” he probably would have merited an honorable mention, because that song is amazing, but he co-wrote “Do they know it’s Christmas” for Band Aid, and he organized Live Aid. Talk about swinging big and hitting it out of two parks on the same day!
Bob Hope – comedian
A career that spanned from vaudeville to radio to television to film is something to behold. Not only the longevity, but also the flexibility to not be afraid of change. While his act may have stayed similar throughout the years, he changed to fit each medium. His USO tours entertaining troops around the world are something that he did for longer than most people even have a career to boast about. We’re talking about 57 tours between 1941 and 1991! He’s a legend.
Bob Marley – musician
Marley is another legend. It’s possible that everyone has that summer where they discover the deeper catalog of his much-too-short but still prolific musical output.
For me, it was during an early high school summer when I bought myself a box set of his, which was subsequently “borrowed” by someone in college. Maybe that was their year to dive in. But I still remember that first summer of discovery beyond “One Love,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “No Woman, No Cry” and the rest. While the hits are good, the whole catalog is wonderful.
Bob Mortimer – comedian
I love Bob Mortimer. And the thing about that statement is that I only know a fraction of what he’s done. I was introduced to him on British panel shows, most famously his appearances on Would I Lie to You? But his comedy and sense of timing hits me in the right comedic spot. So I’ll have to check out the rest of his catalog when I have the time and the access.
Bob Rock – producer, musician
While you may be forgiven for not knowing the Payola$, you must know two of the more famous albums he was a recording engineer on: Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet and Aerosmith’s Permanent Vacation. Most famously, he was the producer for Motley Crue’s Dr. Feelgood, Metallica’s The Black Album, and The Tragically Hip’s World Container. He’s won nine Juno awards and a Grammy, which feels neglectful of the Grammys. Bob Rock is a legend to many, and for a great behind-the-scenes look at him as a young producer for Metallica’s Black Album, may I suggest viewing A Year and A Half in the Life of Metallica.
Bob Ross – painter
The art instructor who hosted The Joy of Painting, a mainstay of PBS and on modern platforms in a sort of syndication, Bob Ross. The Joy of Painting has endured longer than any one might have guessed. Its cultural and educational value should never be underestimated. “We don’t make mistakes; we just have happy accidents.” Well, it’s no wonder he’s endured with such a positive outlook in troubling times.
Bob Seger – Musician
A lot of music has emerged out of the Motor City, but Seger is arguably one of the best. His albums Night Moves and Against the Wind were two of the first vinyls I bought to start my record collection. In fact, before you read the rest of the post, find some Seger and press play. With or without the Silver Bullet Band, Seger delivers.
Bob Woodward – journalist
At a time when investigative journalism feels more like clickbait tied with buzzwords and deep background appears to be listening to your subject on three different podcasts, I think Bob Woodward, half of the legendary team of Woodward and Bernstein, deserves more honorariums than ever. I haven’t read All the President’s Men, but I plan to soon, along with The Final Days. These are both on my shelf waiting to be read, and I’ll be getting to them soon, as treasures from a less partisan past of press gone by.
Bob Uecker – Mr. Baseball
I love Baltimore Orioles baseball. But I used to stream Dodger games just to listen to the late great Vin Scully tell stories. And for the same reason, I would make attempts to catch Brewers games to catch Uecker’s stories. To watch a team that isn’t your favorite is high praise, especially when you’re only doing it for the broadcaster! He is and will always be Mr. Baseball. And of course, his Harry Doyle, the broadcaster he portrayed in Major League, echoes throughout the baseball season, as many in his domain honor the man by saying “juuuust a bit outside” whenever a pitcher misses the mark by more than “juuust a bit.”
Conclusion
I did consider Barker, Hoskins, Newhart, Saget, and Vila, but they just didn’t make the cut. You have to be a bit ruthless if you want to make a list, especially a top ten. I have to say, the Top 10 Fictional Roberts and this Top 10 Real Bobs have been very enjoyable to make, and they’re similar to my A to Z series, which again challenges you to think about things. That’s why I spend time making these lists.
Often, as the case is, it’s not so hard to come up with the initial grouping, but choosing those who make the cut, reading a few extra articles, or perusing a Wikipedia entry to see something you may not have known or may have just forgotten, is genuinely fun. It’s like being younger, before the internet, and paging through an encyclopedia, but with a little more purpose.
So, did I leave off your favorite Bob? Did I leave you out of this list? Are you a Bob? I’m sorry if I did; perhaps I just don’t know you or know of you well enough. What are you going to do about that? I’m a busy guy, Bob. But thanks for reading.