While most singers spend years trying to land a hit song, Robert John found success at just 12 years old when he released the song “White Bucks and Saddle Shoes.” Releasing the song under the name Bobby Pedrick Jr., John went on to become the lead singer of groups like Bobby & The Consoles. Spending nearly four decades in the music industry, John recorded albums like On the Way Up and Back on the Street. Among his most-recognized songs was the hit “Sad Eyes.” Although never losing his love for music, sadly, John recently passed away at 79 years old.
According to Rolling Stone, John’s son, Michael Pedrick, broke the news of his father’s passing on Monday, February 24th. While John built a legacy in the music industry, he was also a devoted father. Pedrick promised, “he was a really great dad.”
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While having his son praise his job as a father, John also left his mark in music when he released the hit song “Sad Eyes” during the late 1970s. Following the sting of a breakup, the song surrounds a woman dealing with heartbreak when her lover decides to return to his own girlfriend. The song surrounded the man doing his best to console his former lover. Striking a chord with fans, it peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
[RELATED: The Story and Meaning Behind “Sad Eyes,” the Winning Weeper by Robert John]
Robert John Shocked By His Success
At the time, John discussed his success on the charts with Rolling Stone, admitting, “I look at the charts and see my name, but I still have trouble believing it’s really me. I didn’t think the song would be the first single from the album. It’s a ballad and I thought the company was crazy to release it.”
Outside of “Sad Eyes”, John also recorded a cover of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” It hit in the top 5 on the Hot 100. But apparently, that wasn’t enough for the singer to receive an album deal. “[Atlantic] didn’t have enough faith to let me do an album. I decided if that’s what happens after a [hit] song, then I just wasn’t going to sing anymore.”
Never losing his passion for singing, John not only produced a promising career in music, but a life full of love and support thanks to his family.
(TopPop, 2016)
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