Sad skies: ‘70s music icon and the voice behind “Sad Eyes” dies at 79
- Replies 0
The music world has lost another of its stars from the golden era of the '70s. Robert John, the voice that brought us the hauntingly beautiful hit Sad Eyes, has passed away at the age of 79.
While Robert John is often remembered for his '70s hits, his influence extended beyond that decade. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes was evident in his work throughout the '80s and '90s.
John continued to perform and even ventured into writing songs for other artists, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
His son, Michael Pedrick, confirmed the sad news to Rolling Stone, noting that his father died on February 24, with no immediate cause of death provided. John had been recovering from a stroke he suffered years prior, but his legacy in music remains as vibrant as ever.
Robert John's journey in the music industry was one marked by early promise, chart-topping success, and the bittersweet taste of an industry that can be as fickle as it is rewarding.
Born on January 3, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, John's talent was evident from a young age. At just 12 years old, he released his first record, White Bucks and Saddle Shoes, under the name Bobby Pedrick Jr. in 1958.
His youthful foray into the music scene was just a prelude to the success he would find in the following decades.
In the 1960s, John led a doo-wop group called Bobby & the Consoles, carving out a space for himself in the vibrant New York music scene.
By 1968, he had adopted the stage name Robert John and achieved a modest hit with If You Don't Want My Love, which reached No. 49 on the charts.
During this time, he also lent his talents as a producer and background vocalist, showcasing the versatility that would become a hallmark of his career.
John's rendition of The Lion Sleeps Tonight in 1972 catapulted him to new heights, reaching No. 3 on the Hot 100 and cementing his place in the annals of pop music history.
Yet, despite his success with singles, the record companies remained hesitant to invest in a full album from John.
Reflecting on this period, John expressed his disillusionment to Rolling Stone, “I decided if that’s what happens after a [hit] song, then I just wasn’t going to sing anymore.”
It wasn't until producer George Tobin reached out in 1978 that John's fortunes would take a turn for the better.
Together, they created Sad Eyes, a ballad that would defy expectations and become a defining moment in John's career. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 on May 19, 1979, and climbed to the top of the charts 20 weeks later.
John's surprise at the song's success was palpable, as he had doubted the decision to release a ballad as the album's first single.
Source: Rock History Music / Youtube.
The single not only brought John widespread acclaim but also earned him a Grammy nomination for best pop vocal performance.
In 1979, he released a self-titled album that explored pop-disco tracks, followed by Back on the Street in 1980, which would be his final album.
John's later years were spent away from the limelight. He is survived by his four sons, grandsons, and his partner of the last 10 years, Susan.
His passing marks the end of an era for those who grew up with his music and for the industry that he left an indelible mark on.
We invite our readers at The GrayVine to share their memories of Robert John and his music. Did Sad Eyes hold a special place in your heart? How did his music touch your life? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below, and let's honor the memory of a true music icon together.
While Robert John is often remembered for his '70s hits, his influence extended beyond that decade. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes was evident in his work throughout the '80s and '90s.
John continued to perform and even ventured into writing songs for other artists, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
His son, Michael Pedrick, confirmed the sad news to Rolling Stone, noting that his father died on February 24, with no immediate cause of death provided. John had been recovering from a stroke he suffered years prior, but his legacy in music remains as vibrant as ever.
Robert John's journey in the music industry was one marked by early promise, chart-topping success, and the bittersweet taste of an industry that can be as fickle as it is rewarding.
Born on January 3, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, John's talent was evident from a young age. At just 12 years old, he released his first record, White Bucks and Saddle Shoes, under the name Bobby Pedrick Jr. in 1958.
His youthful foray into the music scene was just a prelude to the success he would find in the following decades.
Robert John, known for the '70s hit Sad Eyes, has passed away at the age of 79. Image source: TopPop / Youtube.
In the 1960s, John led a doo-wop group called Bobby & the Consoles, carving out a space for himself in the vibrant New York music scene.
By 1968, he had adopted the stage name Robert John and achieved a modest hit with If You Don't Want My Love, which reached No. 49 on the charts.
During this time, he also lent his talents as a producer and background vocalist, showcasing the versatility that would become a hallmark of his career.
John's rendition of The Lion Sleeps Tonight in 1972 catapulted him to new heights, reaching No. 3 on the Hot 100 and cementing his place in the annals of pop music history.
Yet, despite his success with singles, the record companies remained hesitant to invest in a full album from John.
Reflecting on this period, John expressed his disillusionment to Rolling Stone, “I decided if that’s what happens after a [hit] song, then I just wasn’t going to sing anymore.”
It wasn't until producer George Tobin reached out in 1978 that John's fortunes would take a turn for the better.
Together, they created Sad Eyes, a ballad that would defy expectations and become a defining moment in John's career. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 on May 19, 1979, and climbed to the top of the charts 20 weeks later.
John's surprise at the song's success was palpable, as he had doubted the decision to release a ballad as the album's first single.
Source: Rock History Music / Youtube.
The single not only brought John widespread acclaim but also earned him a Grammy nomination for best pop vocal performance.
In 1979, he released a self-titled album that explored pop-disco tracks, followed by Back on the Street in 1980, which would be his final album.
John's later years were spent away from the limelight. He is survived by his four sons, grandsons, and his partner of the last 10 years, Susan.
His passing marks the end of an era for those who grew up with his music and for the industry that he left an indelible mark on.
We invite our readers at The GrayVine to share their memories of Robert John and his music. Did Sad Eyes hold a special place in your heart? How did his music touch your life? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below, and let's honor the memory of a true music icon together.
