Bob was brought up in Clacton-on-Sea, on the Essex coast. Clacton was a major sea-side holiday resort with summer shows at the West Cliff and the Ocean Theatres. Bob's parents took him to see many of these shows which gave him his first taste of music and comedy. Bob started singing at an early age and performed at concerts for old people and in church groups. He started to learn to play the piano at the age of ten and was taught how to "play by ear" - the ability to pick up and play a tune without music.During his mid to late teens, he played in dance bands in Clacton, for £5 a night, or provided the cabaret at a number of social events. It was there that he pioneered his accompanist skills, usually accompanying slightly tipsy men who were determined to sing their own song - in their own (ever changing) key - and in their own (ever changing) rhythm.
He participated in the Clacton County High School drama productions including lead roles in Gilbert and Sullivan. At University, he continued with lead roles in the University of London Opera Group.
He taught himself the rules of harmony (with a book from the library and one, written in 1898, lent to him by the church organist) and started to write songs.
He studied conducting for two years at Morley College, under Brian Brockless, himself a student of Celibidache.
He joined the London Emmanuel Choir in 1973, initially as a tenor, but progressed to being the pianist in 1977. It was a position he retained until 2003 when the work of the choir came to an end. In addition he took on the role of conductor from time to time, wrote a number of songs for the Choir, many of which have been recorded, and performed in many major venues such as the Albert Hall, Festival Hall, South Bank, Fairfield Halls, Westminster Central Hall and Winchester Cathedral.
During this time, Bob continued his other various performance interests in music and drama, with Church music ventures and pantomimes.
When his Choir work came to an end Bob decided to start a solo work with a musical variety solo show designed for the older audiences and special events for churches. He entertains with a combination of songs, piano and witty repartee, with a touch of ventriloquism thrown in.
He was made a CBE in the New Year's Honours list 2002.
