Roby Duke passed away (1956 - 2007). Roby Duke dies
January 15, 2008
Roby Duke passed away (1956 - 2007). Kristian Nordlund has just sent us an email message to inform us about a very very sad piece of news. Roby Duke passed away December 26, 2007 of a sudden heart attack. 2 days before, Roby Duke was on stage with his son Brantley for a concert at the Calvary Chapell of Thousand Oaks, California. His last song was "I Shall See God". Among the different recording projects of Roby, his Christmas Album due to be recorded with Bob Bennett next fall won't be a reality. Roby Duke had been an amazing artist in the Contemporary Christian music (CCM) mood as well as a classic Westcoast / AOR sound.
Born in 1956, Roby Duke was a singer-songwriter, great guitar player as well as a producer. He grew up near the Mississippi Delta and was influenced by Jazz and Blues sound and artistry.
His classic AOR / Westcoast Sound gem is his album "Not The Same" (back in 1980) with such great collaborators like Marty Walsh and John Patitucci followed by his LP "Come Let Us Reason" (1984). More recently, in 1989, Roby Duke has a great CD "Down To Business".
"Not The Same" is well considered like one of the jewels of the Westcoast Music / AOR sound with the beautiful song "Promised Land". This LP (9 tracks) has been reissued 10 years ago in a remastered CD version with a bonus track: "You Love Me" (duet with Kelly Willard). Roby Duke will definitely miss to fans of our music.
More information about Roby Duke's career at his MySpace site, on his official website (Mahali Music) and at the official Roby Duke's family website who indicate us this video on YouTube that reflects the big talent of this artist.
Roby Duke discography:
* "Not The Same" (1980, SongBird / MCA) available at Amazon.com
* "Come Let Us Reason" (1984, Word Records)
* "Blue Eyed Soul" (1986, Word Records) available at Amazon.com
* "Down To Business" (1989, Good News Records) available at Amazon.com
* "Bridge Divine" (1994, Word Records) available at Amazon.com
* "Ghost" (2004, Masali Music) available at CDBaby
* "Relaxed Fits - A Casual Collection" (2006, Masali Music) available at CDBaby
Roby Duke
(1956 - 2007)
Rest In Peace
I just learned that Roby Duke passed away in December 2007. My sister and I love his music. I have 2 of his tapes and one of his albums. He will be missed!
Posted by: Rena Johnson | August 30, 2008 at 07:08 PM
His two albums Not the Same and Come Let Us Reason are two of my all time favorites albums. Thank you Roby for bringing joy to my life and others. What a talented cool guy he was, got to see him in concert a few times. One of the greatest male voices ever.
Posted by: Will Moreno | September 21, 2008 at 11:25 AM
What a major loss for us all but a gain for heaven. I just learned last night that Roby Duke had passed away and just could not believe it. I have known his music for so many years (I'm 58). I loved the picture someone painted of him being hugged tightly by Jesus. That was excellent. I know his family misses him. I pray for your continued peace and the blessed hope that we share knowing we will see him again.
Posted by: Gayle Terry | October 08, 2008 at 07:05 PM