Singer-songwriter Bob Gatewood has been a musical mainstay in Northeast Ohio for over 30 years. He spent his early years performing solo at local bars until 1985 when he formed the band Calabash. Bob and Calabash were favorites in the The Cleveland Flats, a historic district located along the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland. They played to packed houses, drawing a loyal following of college students, boaters, factory workers and people who loved partying to a lively blend of reggae, rock, and island music. Calabash alumni include Chad Szeliga of Breaking Benjamin, and 2009 Academy of Country Music Best Guitarist, Tom Bukovac. Calabash was crowned “the most-booked band on South Bass island!”
Over the years Bob has become known for his critically acclaimed songs and albums, as well as his exceptional guitar skills and live-looping technique. Bob’s discography.
In 1992 Bob gained popularity with the release of his hit song “Friends-of-the-Bay,” (video) which became the official song of Put-in-Bay. The song is known for its upbeat, catchy melody and its lyrics that celebrate the natural beauty and community of Put-in-Bay and has been featured on several commercials. The song is featured on the 1996 Bob Gatewood and Calabash album, Flowerbed.
When Bob ends the show with “Friends-of-the-Bay.” The crowd goes wild, hugging and swaying and belting out the lyrics like they were born on the island. Even if you’re a total stranger to these parts, by the time you leave the show, you’ll feel like a true islander at heart. More on the history of Friends-of-the-Bay. For the 2023 album Friends-of-the-Bay click here.
In 2002 Bob headed to Nashville’s Head Room Studios to record Finally Home . The album was produced by Tom Bukovac, who has played with John Fogerty and Wynonna Judd. Gatewood was backed by a stellar lineup of musicians for the sessions, including drummer Joe Vitale (Joe Walsh, CSNY), keyboardist Mark Jordan (Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt) and bassist David Santos (Billy Joel, Elton John). In addition, on guitar was Grammy nominee Warner Bros. recording artist Will Owsley.
His 2012 album, Be Good to Yourself features the single, “I Ain’t Working for the Man” (video) and received strong radio airplay. The song is popular among classic rock fans with it’s nostalgic feeling of rebelliousness, yet it continues to attract new generations who appreciate its raw energy and timeless appeal. Read more in the article “Singer-songwriter Bob Gatewood pens working-class anthem”
Bob’s most recent album , Friends-of-the-Bay is his first studio effort in nearly a decade and finds the South Bass songwriter reflecting on love, loss, companionship, and coming of age as a year-round resident—and official spokesman—of Lake Erie party-time destination Put-in-Bay.
Bob currently lives on South Bass Island with his wife Andrea. Together they operate several businesses on the island.
Reviews and Features
Be Good to Yourself Scene Magazine review
Finally Home Scene Magazine review