More Than Just The Voice Behind “Honey”
Most people remember Bobby Goldsboro for his emotional 1968 smash hit “Honey,” one of the biggest-selling records of its era. What many fans do not realize is that after dominating the music charts, Goldsboro built an entirely different career that included television production, children's entertainment, writing, publishing, and painting. His story is one of constant reinvention.
Fernstachit, Wikimedia Commons
A Florida Native With Big Dreams
Robert Charles Goldsboro was born on January 18, 1941, in Marianna, Florida, before growing up in Dothan, Alabama. As a young boy, he learned to play the ukulele and later the guitar. Music eventually replaced his early dream of becoming a professional baseball player.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
College Was Not The Final Destination
After graduating from high school, Goldsboro enrolled at Auburn University and studied business administration. His plans changed when opportunities in music started appearing. He left college after his second year to pursue a full-time career in entertainment.
Roy Orbison Opened The First Door
Goldsboro's first major break came when he joined Roy Orbison's backing band, The Webbs. He spent several years touring with Orbison around the United States and Europe. The experience gave him valuable exposure to the music business at a young age.
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Touring Alongside Future Legends
During his years with Orbison, Goldsboro also found himself performing on tours that included The Beatles. These experiences placed him near some of the biggest names in popular music just as the British Invasion was changing the industry.
A Successful Solo Career Took Off
Goldsboro launched his solo career in 1964 with “See the Funny Little Clown,” which became a Top 10 hit. The success established him as more than a guitarist and opened the door to a long string of charting singles throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Screenshot from See the Funny Little Clown, United Artists Records (1963), Modified
“Honey” Made Him An International Star
In 1968, Goldsboro recorded “Honey,” a heartbreaking ballad that became the biggest hit of his career. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and became one of the best-selling singles in the world that year. Its success turned Goldsboro into a household name.
Screenshot from Honey, United Artists Records (1968), Modified
He Continued Delivering Hits
Although “Honey” remains his signature song, Goldsboro enjoyed numerous other chart successes. Songs such as “Watching Scotty Grow,” “Little Things,” and “Summer (The First Time)” helped keep him on radio playlists for years after his breakthrough.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Television Soon Came Calling
The popularity of his music led to frequent television appearances. Goldsboro became a regular guest on programs such as The Mike Douglas Show. Producers soon realized he had enough appeal to carry a television series of his own.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Hosting His Own Syndicated Series
From 1973 to 1976, Goldsboro hosted The Bobby Goldsboro Show. The syndicated program was a successful variety series that showcased music, comedy, and celebrity guests. For several years, he was as recognizable on television as he was on the radio.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Looking Beyond The Recording Studio
As the music industry changed in the late 1970s and 1980s, Goldsboro began exploring new creative outlets. Rather than chasing chart success, he shifted his attention toward projects that allowed him greater artistic control.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Children's Entertainment Became A Passion
One of the most surprising turns in Goldsboro's career was his move into children's entertainment. He developed stories and characters aimed at young audiences and began producing family-friendly content that differed dramatically from his pop music roots.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Writing Children's Books
Goldsboro became an author and created a series of children's books. His work included titles connected to original characters and stories he developed himself. The move demonstrated that his creativity extended far beyond songwriting.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Creating Animated Specials
His children's projects expanded into television animation. Goldsboro created several animated specials, including Snuffy: The Elf Who Saved Christmas, Easter Egg Mornin', and A Cat Named Bob. These productions introduced his storytelling to a new generation of viewers.
Screenshot from Snuffy: The Elf Who Saved Christmas, Bobby Goldsboro Productions (1991), Modified
The Birth Of The Swamp Critters Of Lost Lagoon
In the mid-1990s, Goldsboro launched what became his most ambitious children's project, The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon. The educational series focused on animal characters and positive lessons for young viewers.
Screenshot from The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon, Syndication (1996-2001), Modified
A One-Man Creative Force
What made The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon remarkable was Goldsboro's level of involvement. He wrote the scripts, created the music, performed the voices, and played the instruments used in the show. Few television creators have worn as many hats on a single project.
Screenshot from The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon, Syndication (1996-2001), Modified
The Show Reached National Audiences
The series aired on public television stations and other networks between 1996 and 2001. It introduced Goldsboro to a generation of children who may never have heard “Honey” but knew him through his animated characters.
Screenshot from The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon, Syndication (1996-2001), Modified
Music Never Completely Left His Life
Even while working on television projects, Goldsboro remained connected to music. He composed music for television, including work associated with the sitcom Evening Shade. Songwriting continued to be an important part of his creative identity.
He Also Became A Publisher
Goldsboro's second career expanded beyond performing and writing. He became involved in publishing and production, allowing him to manage and distribute many of his own creative projects. It was another example of his entrepreneurial approach to entertainment.
Evening Standard, Getty Images
Painting Added Another Creative Outlet
Away from music and television, Goldsboro developed a serious interest in oil painting. His artwork has been featured through his official channels and represents yet another dimension of his artistic life. Many fans are surprised to learn that painting became one of his major passions.
A Career Defined By Reinvention
While Bobby Goldsboro will always be remembered for his chart-topping music, his later accomplishments may be even more impressive. He successfully reinvented himself as a television producer, children's author, animator, publisher, and painter. His second career proved that creativity does not have to stay confined to a single stage, studio, or recording booth.
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