Bobby Austin born 5 May 1933

Bobby Austin (May 4, 1933 – January 6, 2002) was an American country music singer-songwriter and musician. 

Born Robert Allen Austin in Wenatchee, Washington. Influenced by country artists such as Hank Snow and Ernest Tubb, Bobby began performing at age 5. As a teenager he worked in local bands then moved to Los Angeles in 1955 and was soon was involved in the local country music scene, first recording for the small Sundown label in 1958. In 1960, he released his first single on Challenge Records, 'Polynesian Baby.' He subsequently joined label mate Wynn Stewart's band and played bass on recording sessions for Buck Owens (Capitol Records) and Wynn Stewart (Challenge). 

In 1962, Capitol Records signed Bobby Austin to a solo contract, he soon left the employ of Wynn Stewart to concentrate on his solo career. His early outings on Capitol failed to ignite the charts and Bobby continued to work the Las Vegas club scene, as well as playing through California on mini tours and one nighters. In the mid 1960s Bobby signed to Fuzzy Owen and Lewis Talley's small Tally label, which had been the home to Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens prior to their Capitol contracts in 1964. 

The label also provided another Capitol artist when they signed Austin in 1966 mainly due to the local action that his Tally single "Apartment No. 9," was attracting. The song he had co-written with singer Johnny Paycheck was Austin's first chart single, topping out at No. 21 in 1966 once Capitol had bought out the single from Tally. It was named the Academy of Country Music's song of the year for 1966 and was the first to receive that honour from the Academy. The following year, Tammy Wynette's version became her first hit at the No. 44 slot. 

                           

Bobby was on tour during the Grammy's 67' and was unaware at the time that he was to receive a Grammy for songwriter of the year, well apparently, Fuzzy Owens' secretary Espinata picked up the Grammy and Bobby never received it. His other chart singles were "Cupid's Last Arrow" and "This Song Is Just for You" (1967), "For Your Love" (1969) and "Knoxville Station" (1972). His albums include Apartment No. 9 (Capitol ST 2773) 1967; and Old Love Never Dies (Capitol ST 2915); 1968, both are strong sets of West Coast country music with Ralph Mooney on steel guitar and Fuzzy Owen handling the production duties 

After his initial hits, his last Capitol single was issued in the early 1970s. In later years Austin admitted that his reluctance to tour was a large factor in his inability to keep placing singles in the charts. Instead of joining the package tours of West Coast hitmakers Merle Haggard or Buck Owens, Bobby preferred to play the Nevada and Californian club scene, happy enough to use local house bands, sometimes taking Ralph Mooney or another old bandmate to play gigs. 

Throughout the 1970s Austin continued to record for labels like Triune, Atlantic (who's short lived country division included Willie Nelson, Darrell McCall and Wynn Stewart alongside Austin), Hurrah, Syndicate and Design. Bobby relocated to Washington state in the early 1980s, retiring from performing he built a career as an artist, becoming well known for his numerous paintings and murals. 

At the time of his death Bobby had been in ill health for several years, and had lived with dialysis. In December of 2000, Bobby underwent his second pacemaker implant. At the age of 68 he passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2002 in Camas, Washington. He is survived by his wife, Fern, and his children, Linda, Robert Jr., William and Steve. 

His red show suit (designed by Nudie, a well known designer for Elvis and other stars of the era) is on display in the country and western museum in Bakersfield, California. 

(Edited from article by Jason Odd @ Talent On Display & Rockabilly Hall of Fame)