Roy Forbes

Roy Charles Forbes (born February 13, 1953) is a Canadian folk music singer-songwriter,[1] whose music bears heavy influences from classic American genres of acoustic blues and traditional country. Forbes is known for his high soulful voice and percussive guitar playing.

This article is about the musician. For the Canadian Olympic ice hockey player, see Roy Forbes (ice hockey).
Roy Forbes
Birth nameRoy Charles Forbes
Born (1953-02-13) February 13, 1953
Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada
OriginVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
GenresFolk
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Years active1971–present
Associated actsUHF
Websitewww.royforbes.ca

Early life and education

Forbes was born and grew up in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.[2] He learned to play guitar at age 14,[3] and had the childhood nickname, "Bim".

Career

Forbes, calling himself "Bim," began his musical career in Vancouver in 1971. Initially, he appeared as the opening act for such groups as Supertramp and Santana, but soon came to headline and sell out his own shows.[4] His song "Can't Catch Me", from his first LP Kid Full of Dreams, was released as a single and hit the Top 10 in several major Canadian markets.[5] His third LP "Thistles" was produced by Emitt Rhodes and featured Mac Cridlin, David Foster, Bob Glaub, Penny Nichols, Jeff Porcaro, Ron Tutt, Blue Williams and Jai Winding.[6] Forbes has appeared as a headliner in most of Canada's major folk music festivals. In 1984, he toured in the US with fellow Canadian Ferron, with whom he performed a duet on the song "Proud Crowd/Pride Cried" for her album, Shadows on a Dime. In 1987, he began performing and recording as Roy Forbes.

He is also a member of the supergroup UHF, together with Shari Ulrich and Bill Henderson.[7][8]

Songs written by Forbes have been recorded by Sylvia Tyson, Garnet Rogers, Valdy, and Susan Jacks.

Since 2006, Forbes has hosted a weekly radio program called "Roy's Record Room" on the CKUA Radio Network in Alberta.[3][9] He previously hosted a program known as "Snap Crackle Pop" on CBC Radio across Canada from 1996 to 2009.[3] Both programs feature songs taken from his extensive collection of vintage records.

Discography

as Bim
  • Kid Full of Dreams (1975)
  • Raincheck on Misery (1976)
  • Thistles (1978)
  • Anything You Want (1982)
  • New Songs for an Old Celebration with Connie Kaldor (1985)

as Roy Forbes
  • Love Turns to Ice (1987)
  • The Human Kind (1992)
  • Almost Overnight (1995)
  • Crazy Old Moon (1998)
  • Some Tunes For That Mother Of Mine (2006)
  • Strikin' Matches – LIVE! (2014)
  • Edge of Blue (2020)

with UHF
  • UHF (1990)[10]
  • UHF II (1994)

References
  1. Larry LeBlanc (August 19, 1995). Stony Plain's Church revives folk with 'Just a Little Rain'work=Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 24–. ISSN 0006-2510.
  2. " Kid full of dreams forty years on". Vancouver Observer, Paul Grant September 13, 2011
  3. "Roy Forbes". The Canadian Encyclopedia, Durrell Bowman, April 9, 2013
  4. "Anniversary concert for Roy Forbes". Parksville Qualicum News. October 11, 2011. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  5. "West Coast Industry". Billboard. Billboard Publications, Inc. 88 (40): C-20. October 2, 1976.
  6. Liner notes, Elektra Records LP 6E-132, 1978
  7. "40 years for Forbes". Janis Cleugh / Tri City News, September 27, 2011
  8. "Living his passion for music". Penticton Western News. By STEVE KIDD April 5, 2011
  9. "Roy's Record Room". CKUA Radio Network.
  10. "Artist: Forbes, Roy (aka Bim)". The Canadian Pop Encyclopedia.
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