Bobby Joe Harlow PLAYS IT BY EAR
By Carole Miller
Grab a front-row seat and prepare for a musical adventure unlike any other. Bobby Joe Harlow’s magical mystery tour awaits! The caffeinated hummingbird of the music world, Bobby Joe, will take you on a wild adventure guaranteed to leave you rocking, rolling, and laughing ’til your sides hurt. It’s showtime, folks!
Preaching to the Choir
Bobby Joe is not just conducting the score of his life—he’s more like a maestro, with a touch of mad scientist. After graduating from Texas State, he embarked on a journey that couldn’t wait. Having briefly worked for lawyers, he quickly realized his path was untraditional and slightly skewed, like a note played off-key. It was destiny whispering “Hey, Bobby Joe, there’s something more magical in store for you.”
“I’m not smart enough to use the word ‘altruistic,’” says Bobby Joe with a mischievous grin. “I just get pleasure from the success of others.”
Bobby Joe’s talent doesn’t stop at his musical prowess. His desire to share his gift with others led him to open a music school in the heart of San Antonio, where young dreamers can learn the secrets of melody and rhythm. Like a wise wizard, he nurtures their artistry, guiding them on a path of musical discovery (with the occasional magic trick up his sleeve) for the past 47 years.
With around 50 students and zero days off, Bobby Joe is a musical Energizer bunny teaching tirelessly. Every day, the school comes alive with the sound of music, laughter, the strumming of guitars, and harmonious voices.
Bobby Joe’s eager apprentices absorb his teachings with wide-eyed wonder. He teaches them to pluck the strings of their instruments with precision, to unleash the power of their voices and to let their souls soar through the mesmerizing realm of music. Teaching music lessons beckoned him in a way he was incapable of resisting, saying, “I wish I knew why I do it. I just teach children and see them become awesome people.”
And let’s not forget his garage-turned-studio, where various instruments and sentimental memorabilia are on full display like a musical museum and playground. Teaching nine different instruments is another feather in his cap – or should we say, another string in his guitar.
Bobby Joe possesses a remarkable gift for empathizing and connecting with individuals who may not fit typical societal norms. His intuition allows him to create a safe and nurturing environment for his students, especially those with dyslexia or autism. He even travels to special needs families, making their spirits soar with the gift of music. He truly has a heart as big as Texas.
“The Creator put me in a position that I have a wonderful connection with people who are not ‘normal’ by traditional standards,” Bobby Joe muses.
And most of his students – clamoring for music’s sweet acclaim – play more than one instrument. When surrounded by instruments, the temptation to try them all out is insurmountable, like sampling every bin in a candy store.
“When the pandemic hit, business actually went up,” explains Harlow. “I tried Zoom lessons but they just didn’t work as well as being in person.” The Sounds of Music During his live shows, Bobby Joe amalgamates his love for classic rock with his knack for humor to play the charismatic crooner who can strum those heartstrings and tickle your funny bone. A born performer with no shortage of tales to tell, he has even played on the bill with rock legend Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has also recorded and toured with the Bad Boys, Zombies of Leisure, Waifs of Destruction, Kopia, Scratch, and many others.
He and his eponymous Bobby Joe Harlow Band have been a staple at the San Antonio Rodeo for more than a decade. The musical journey of the band includes frequent stops at local musical watering holes, including Gruene Hall, Floore’s Country Store, StoneWerks, Maggiano’s, Aztec Theatre, Mine Shaft at the Magic Time Machine, Pistol Pete’s, Moses Roses Hideout, and Silo (to name just a few).
Generous with the limelight, Bobby Joe occasionally shares the stage with his wife, Laura, and his oldest son, Dylan. It’s not unusual to see one of Bobby Joe’s students hit the stage either, regardless of their age – or bedtime.
The Cat with the Fiddle
It all started with a humble violin, the instrument responsible for kick-starting Bobby Joe’s musical journey at age seven. And boy, a small spark ignited a blazing passion within him. “They gave us the choice at school to do music lessons or recess,” he explains. “I chose music lessons.”
He honed his skills, and sure enough, his talent sprouted like a bluebonnet in April and he transformed into a virtuoso capable of captivating any audience, young or old. Even as the youngest in his class, Bobby Joe’s sharp wit and keen intellect were evident. Skipping first grade, he quickly rose to become Holmes High School’s Class of 1977 President, a leadership role that harmonized perfectly with his natural abilities. But his talents extended beyond academic achievements. During his high school days, he and his buddies formed a band that would stand the test of time. They aptly called themselves Rock Solid, a group of friends who continue to rock together to this day.
Bobby Joe had the privilege of having a mentor named Les Moore, whom he credits for guiding him through the ups and downs of the music world. While tickling the ivories in the Les Moore Band during high school, Bobby Joe not only learned how to rock like a pro, but also discovered the secret sauce of treating people right and sniffing out the best gigs in town.
While teaching music is a significant part of Bobby Joe’s life, he also embraces another important role—proud father. He has six grown children who have grown alongside his musical exploits, creating a harmonious blend of family and artistic pursuits. His talented family also includes his brother, actor Billy Jack Harlow known for his roles in Deadlock and American Siege, and his sister, award-winning singer and actress Maribeth.
Bobby Joe is a natural showman, always ready to impress. However, his genuine and down-to-earth nature shines through. If he wasn’t a musician, his charm could sell ice to a polar bear. Whether composing new songs, exploring different musical styles, or finding unique ways to connect with his audience, Bobby Joe’s ideas flow limitlessly. Though he may be a handful-and-a-half, the joy and value he brings to his students and patrons make it all worthwhile.
