Bio

Bobby Waters was the first child of Edward, an Army veteran and Federal Law Enforcement Officer and Linda, a homemaker and later a bookkeeper. Bobby enjoyed a wonderful childhood in the Northern New Jersey suburbs and had ambitions of performing from an early age. His Grandmother, Mary was once offered a job singing with a 'big band' in the 1940's, but turned it down to marry and raise a family. "My mother's Mom really was the person I have to thank for exposing me to the great singers of her generation." He recalls, "From a really young age I heard the incredible voices of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Billie Holliday and Tony Bennett." Bobby first performed in front of an audience at the tender age of 12 years old, singing in the school choir. The sound of the applause made him realize that this was where he wanted to be. He continued singing through middle school and into high school. By age fifteen he was chosen by the musical director to be showcased in the a capella group and was asked to sing solos at nearly every school concert. He was also a member of the Drama club and enjoyed popularity as one of the schools actors. After high school, Bobby found success locally in several nightclubs and piano lounges in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area. He became active in the South Florida theatre community including being on the Board of Directors for the Hollywood Playhouse. Working at the playhouse was a real learning experience. He was able to contribute to the sets, lighting, sound and costuming of several productions. "It was a wonderful time," Bobby remembers, "I had the chance to see what happens on the other side of the footlights -- sort of on the outside looking in, it was great experience." After leaving the Hollywood Playhouse, Bobby continued to work in the theatre scene starring in several plays at Jan McArt's Dinner Theatre in Boca Raton. "Jan McArt's theatre was so much fun." Bobby recalls, "The first time I worked there I was asked to be a last minute replacement for an actor who bowed out three weeks before opening night. It was an Irish play so I had to memorize my lines in record time AND master an Irish Brogue as well! I was scared to death opening night but somehow, don't ask me how, I managed to pull it all together!" It was at this point that Bobby really decided to concentrate solely on his musical interests and to leave the world of theatre. "I had much more fun singing in clubs than I ever did acting. Theatre was exciting and great experience but my real love was creating music." Bobby continues to perform in clubs and lounges to this day. "I'm still here plugging away! There's still an audience for this kind of music. The music of the Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hammerstein, Nelson Riddle and Johnny Mercer are timeless. Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Michael Buble and Tony Bennett are living proof. I would love to attain their kind of success. Although I sing similar tunes, I have a slightly different sound. I am more of a belter - there aren't too many of those out there! I just want the chance to entertain, to make people feel and maybe send them home a little happier than when they arrived. Perhaps the best is yet to come for me, I only hope that I get the chance to make all my dreams come true." Bobby Waters can be reached via the internet at [email protected] or via telephone 954-815-7158