BOB PURTELL

Born in West Wyalong NSW in 1937 a sixth generation European/Australian, nurtured and raised by his grand parents Robert Leonard and Linda Sarah (nee Humphries) Elbourne. Bob was educated in West Wyalong leaving school at age 14 years and 6 months to enter the bakery trade. Industrial dermatitis ended that first career path. Bob then took on the hard work as a labourer and seasonal worker till 1958-59 when he settled in Sydney where he started a gardening business with the proceeds of his last cane cutting job. After three years in the gardening sector Bob became a truck driver until he entered the country music business in 1969 with the help of Bill Kelly. Bob first experienced television on QTQ9 Brisbane on Reg Lindsay's Country Music Show. Later Bob would make another nine appearances. Through the 1970's Cowboy Bob and his band had a good recognition in and around the Sydney's city circuit. He also appeared regularly on Kevin King's Country Sounds at the Crystal Palace Hotel.

In the mid 70s Bob recorded his first album 'Truck Stop' with Laurie Allen, Col Joye and Jim Cooper on the ATA label in the Col Joye's Studio. His first single release was ''Motivatin Day / Trucker's Lullaby'' in 1975. Both songs were composed by Laurie Allen from Bobby and Laurie fame. Around this this time Bob was carrying his now famous Bat Masterton cane. In 1976 Bob won a Gold Guitar at the Tamworth Country Music Awards. Things really started to move for Bob with airplay on South Australian radio, then interviewed on Sydney radio 2UE. Bob's next album 'Cross Country Cowboy' was recorded at Smokey Dawson's Ranch in 1978 and this was followed by 'Black Sheep' recorded on the Nev Nicholls.... Nicholls 'N' Dimes label released in 1985 through RCA Victor. In 1988 he was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame. Cowboy Bob Purtell died on 03 July 2019

SINGLES
''Motivatin' Day / Trucker's Lullaby'' 1975 ATA

'Movin' On / Big Wheel Cannonball'' [with Col Joye, Jim Cooper, Laurie Allen] 1976 ATA

''The Beer Song / The Gear Jammers Ball'' 1978 ATA
''I Gave Up Good Morning, Darling / Basin Street Blues'' 1978 ATA
''She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed / Light Of My Life'' 1985

ALBUMS
'Truck Stop' [with Col Joye, Jim Cooper, Laurie Allen] 1976 ATA
'Cross Country Cowboy' 1978 ATA
'Black Sheep' 1985 Nicholls N' Dimes Records