Bobby Louw is one of South Africa’s most experienced studio musicians. He has appeared as a lead and backing vocalist, and also as an  arranger, musical director or producer on literally thousands of albums. 

                                  

 He has also been leading bands since his school days in Cape Town. When jazz-rock became popular, Bobby put together a 14-piece band  (with brass, percussion and 4 female back-up singers) called KINDRED SPIRIT, which was extremely popular at the time.

 

 During this period he also started his freelance recording career, singing jingles (radio adverts), working on other people’s albums, and also  making several albums as a member of the CLAUDE LARSON SINGERS. Bobby also worked with THE HYLTON ROSS BAND and Brazilian jazz  keyboardist Izio Gross as a bass-player and singer.

 

 After a few years as manager of Ballyhoo and The Bats, and having relocated to Johannesburg, Bobby joined rock band Free Ride, handling  bass and vocals, and playing the Johannesburg club circuit.

 

 Bobby then became the bass player, lead vocalist and musical arranger for the legendary South African band THE BATS, and they toured  the country extensively.

 

 Bobby appeared in various T.V. shows at this time including  "GOOD VIBRATIONS",  "BEATLES SONGBOOK",  "POPSHOP",  "THE BATS  SPECIAL",  "GENTLE ON MY MIND", etc. He also composed and sang theme songs for (and acted in) T.V. shows such as " OH GEORGE" and    "CUPID".

 

 One of Bobby’s most enjoyable gigs was as lead vocalist for RICK WAKEMAN of the British band YES on his  "Journey to the Centre of the  Earth" shows.  He also sang with PETER SARSTEDT on a nationwide tour. 

 

 During the 80’s Bobby was a member of the critically-acclaimed jazz vocal group FRINGE BENEFITS with Malie Kelly, Avryl Stockley and Mike  Pilot. 

 

 *** Bobby has worked as producer and/or arranger on recordings for many artists - Billy Forrest, Gene Rockwell, Tommy Dell, P.J. Powers,  Zayn Adam, Cinema, Leon Schuster, Jonathan Butler, Ge Korsten, Ray Thomas, Dennis East, Lance James, Bill Flynn, Joanna Field, Jody  Wayne, Sally Vaughn, Clive Bruce, Barbara Ray, and many others.

 

 *** As a backing vocalist Bobby has sung on albums by Steve Hofmeyer, Brenda Fassie, Steve Kekana,  Bles Bridges, Leon Schuster, PJ  Powers, Dozi, Patricia Lewis, Juanita, Kurt Darren, Manie Jackson, Idols Contestants, The Soweto String Quartet, and countless others.

 

 *** As a songwriter, he has had his compositions sung by many other artists, such as Dennis East, Malie Kelly, Jonathan Butler, Chrissy  Jackson, MD Greyling, Carike Keuzenkamp and Bill Flynn – and in 1985 Bobby’s composition “On the loose again” won “Best Overseas Entry”  at the Isle of Wight International Song Festival.

 

 Bobby has also been a television presenter - for TELEMUZIK, a pop video show on TV4.

 

 He was the musical director, presenter and lead singer  on more than 40  “FLASHBACKS” music specials on TV4.

 

 He was also one half of THE DREAM MERCHANTS, with Billy Forrest.

         

 Bobby was a founder-member, lead singer and music arranger of 9-piece rock 'n roll band VINNIE AND THE VISCOUNTS.

         

 In 1997 Bobby formed THE ROCK REBELS, using top studio musicians.

 

 His latest band is called “BOBBY LOUW & THE SOLID GOLD BAND”, a name that reflects the ever-popular “solid gold” hits of yesteryear  played by the band. The band includes 2 beautiful go-go dancers and an exciting brass section, whenever possible. The band has done  several special  concerts for Radio 702.

  

 Bobby was also Musical Director for the highly successful  "Feeling Groovy" shows at the Soundstage in  Midrand, "Puss 'n Boots" at

 Carnival City and also for "The Kwai Klub" and "The Carruthers Brothers" T.V. series.

 

 In 2006 Bobby composed and produced all the music for the rock opera “FANGS”, which was seen by audiences countrywide.

 

 Until recently Bobby had never got around to releasing an album under his own name. He’s finally rectified that situation with the release  of “YOU & I”, his first solo album ever. It’s a mixture of Bobby’s own compositions and his versions of some good old pop songs from the  past. 

 

 In recent times Bobby has appeared on the TV show “SWEEPSLAG”, and also as the featured solo artist on the ever-popular “NOOT VIR  NOOT”. 

 

 Bobby is also a special guest soloist on Leon Schuster’s recent rugby CD, and also Steve Booysen’s (ex ABSA CEO) CD, “My Musical  Boardroom”.

 

 He currently produces and arranges recordings (full CDs or single songs) for anyone requiring them, and creates the full backtracks if  necessary.

 

 Bobby is also one of the 3 lead vocalists of "Legends of The Rat Pack", along with Billy Forrest and Dennis East, plus a full brass band, who  perform a tribute to the music of the swing jazz era, ideal for corporate functions.