Rob Strong Band
Rob Strong initally came to prominence with the Soul/Funk outfit -----"The Plattermen" in the early seventies. Their powerhouse interpretations of the likes of " Blood Sweat & Tears" and James Brown material as well as their own tunes swiftly gained the band a huge national following. Setting a high standard of musicianship, their sound and style, although often emulated by subsequent Irish Bands was rarely equaled
With the disbandment of "The Plattermen" in 1974 Rob eager to broaden his horizons moved to the states where he played the club circuit both in Kansas City and Las Vagas for several years
Returning to Ireland in 1976 Rob decided to embark on a solo career and founded the "Rob Strong band". Despite an absence from the Irish live circuit, the band quickly developed a sizeable and loyal following with Robs gravely vocal and incredible range. Often compared to the likes of Joe Cocker and Ray Charles, the R.S.D bacame renowned for delivering a high engery, rocking set
Rob Strong
Millions of viewers around the world were impressed by teenage star Andrew Strong in the Alan Parker film, The Commitments. Now they will be absolutely stunned by the massive vocal qualities of his father Rob Strong.
In Ireland, where Rob is rated as one of the worlds finest soul singers, they say that Rob taught Andrew all that Andrew knows but he did not teach him all the Rob knows.
Rob's musical roots are in the soul of the motown era. His album The Plattermen belongs beside his near neighbor and contemporary, Van Morrison.
Thirty years on and he can still hold his own with the best of them. He travels to Sweden, Denmark and Germany regularly. He has a strong fan base in Europe and some following in the USA also.
In 1986 (back in the good old days of vinyl) Rob Strong's brilliant live album Hollywood Nights (on the Owl Record label) achieved distinction as the longest album sleeve in the world - a three meter long gatefold containing signatures of 6,000 adoring fans.
Hollywood Nights Rob Strong
When first released on vinyl in 1986, this album achieved notoriety because of its extended sleeve containing signatures of almost 5000 fans. Recorded live before an enormous audience at a venue subsequently named "Hollywood Nights" in acknowledgment of the historic event, the album exhibits the talent of the man sometimes regarded as "the best white soul singer in the world". His son Andrew Strong - star of the film THE COMMITMENTS - has followed in his footsteps
His latest album White Velvet, also on the Owl Record label is a new departure for Rob. We experience for the first time in a very long and colorful career, a more tender side of Rob's powerful voice. The title track, White Velvet sounds like a blend of Barry White and a classic orchestral piece with a trip hop groove. He shares this album with promising new comer Dav McNamara.