Bobby Lee

Written by Paul D’Aoust

Bobby Lee (Roger Leblanc) was a longtime friend. His brother Ricky best described him as the father of Blues, R&B and Soul in the Ottawa area.

We all have a story about Bobby, but I remember him travelling through the southern states with shows like “The World of Mirth” and other carnivals, or you could see him at the Ottawa Ex playing behind the barker to bring people into the show. Inside you could see Tubby Boots with the spinning tassels doing his routine. Down south, he worked with the likes of Lash LaRue, whips and all. On one of these tours, he was sitting at a table with some heavy’s he knew from the Plaza Hotel. In comes the law and takes them to prison. Bobby’s mother had to get the RCMP involved, and after a few months someone from the Canadian consulate (to his great joy) let him out.

He had a house gig at the Plaza (Bill Christie might ring a bell) where many guitar players got their start, and you know who you are. Anyway, I could go on and on, but his joking and unending good humor will be greatly missed.

His friend, Paul.

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Bobby was a longtime member of Local 180. He joined the local May 28, 1962, as a bass player and vocalist. He was a blues singer, most likely one of the finest the local has produced. He has been described as the father of Blues, R&B and Soul in the Ottawa area. He played in a number of fine blues bands during the span of his career, and he was a bluesman in the truest sense of the word. His intense raspy voice, perfectly tuned, sang about personal loss, harsh realities and love gone wrong. It was impossible to hear him sing and not feel those blues.

Rest in peace, Bobby.

Source: eNews Harp, March 2014