G is for Dobie Gray

Lines of Inspiration

 Melodious expressions, Enduring Truisms

G

Dobie Gray

“When my mind is free, you know a melody can move me…”

Song Title: Drift Away

Songwriter:  Mentor R. Williams

Singer:  Dobie Gray

For a guy who was born somewhere near Houston, Texas, had upwards of three AKA names, and whose birth name was most likely Lawrence Darrow Brown, this son of humble sharecroppers sure made quite the name for himself ;-)  Beginning with Gospel, his smooth and soothing voice flawlessly flowed throughout Soul, R&B, Country (“From Where I Stand”), Pop (“The ‘In’ Crowd”), and theater musicals. Dobie Gray worked just about every music scene; associating with such mentors as Sonny Bono, Max Bear (Jethro, from the Beverly Hillbillies), and Paul and Mentor Williams -  in addition to his 2 ½ year acting stint in the Las Angeles production of “Hair”, before becoming a record producer.  Oh! And in his free time, Dobie Gray did quite a bit of songwriting as well; for the likes of Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis and Charley Pride.

But I digress. What I’m sharing today is Dobie Grays’ signature single “Drift Away”, which sold over a million copies; earning a Gold Disc by the RIAA before rekindling the hit song some thirty years later with Uncle Kracker ;-)

So, how about that line? Does it call to mind a memory? Instill a sense of wonder? Are you familiar with Dobie Gray or Mentor Williams?

There’s a whole lotta blogging going on right here!

Have a great weekend!