In Memory
Bob Devlin
One-Man Band
1946 -- 1994
Bob Devlin was the original One-Man Band of Washington, D.C. An institution in the area
for over 20 years, he often entertained busy lunchtime crowds on the streets of D.C. with
his happy tunes. Later he played for many prominent Washingtonians at such noted places as
the National Theatre, Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center and the White House.
But it was his love of children that first inspired me.
The first time I saw Bob perform was in 1993. He had become a regular at Santa's Village,
an annual Christmas arts and craft show in my home town. I found Bob entertaining children
in a corner of the large room.
Kids were gathered around singing with him, and his joyful spirit immediately hooked me.
I sat with the kids and listened for a long time, amazed at his ability to play so many
different instruments together. But even more I was touched by his gentle, loving soul. I came
back the next year and watched him again, and when Santa's Village came around in 1995, I
couldn't wait to go. But when I got there, Bob was missing. It was then that I learned he
had passed away.
Bob had inspired me to begin experimenting with my own one-man band set-up, and I began
sharing music with children in my area. I discovered the same joy I saw in him -- the happy
faces of children, their love and appreciation. So I asked the Santa's Village directors if
I could try filling Bob's shoes at the next craft show. I knew I couldn't compare, but I felt
that someone should continue where Bob left off. So in 1996 I sat where Bob had sat, a crowd
of kids around, and I felt his spirit there.
Bob Devlin so greatly inspired me and taught me where to find pure joy, that I perform in his
honor wherever I go. I never knew him well, but he touched my life deeply in the brief time
our lives intersected. I know that now he sings in the Heavenly choir, for the Savior he
loved. And down here, I try to keep a little of his memory alive. Every now and then someone e-mails
me to tell me they loved Bob too. That always makes me smile.
I will always be grateful for this dear man who loved people, and shared it in his songs.
He will live forever in my heart, and in the hearts of all who ever experienced his gentle soul.
Thank you Bob.
Looking For More Info About Bob and His Music?
P.S. I get asked from time to time if I know where people can get copy's of Bob's recordings.
I am happy to report that Jessie Devlin, Bob's wife, will have some of them available again
soon! If you are interested in the music of Bob Devlin, please contact
Jessie Linda Devlin at jessiedevlin@gmail.com
Remembering Bob Devlin
Every now and then I get an e-mail from someone who landed on this page and writes to tell me that
Bob Devlin meant a lot to them, too. It's so nice to hear from folks that still remember him. Here
are a few of the comments I've received:
"I read your tribute to Bob Devlin, Thanks for posting something about Bob. I saw him when I
was a kid at my school in Springfield, VA. I've always wished I'd bought his album, but have never
seen them since. I dropped Jessie a note -- fingers crossed."
-- Fayetteville, AR
"I never thought there would be anyone else in the world who knew who Bob Devlin was. Awesome!"
-- Northern Virginia
"I'm yet another musician inspired by Bob Devlin. I spent several years in Washington DC,
(many years ago), as a sales rep. I would drive the streets and look for him when I was in town
just to stop and listen for awhile. I still have one of his recordings dubbed to tape,
(the album wore out long ago.)"
-- Lenoir, NC
"I started trying to preserve my old cassette tapes recently and just finished rerecording
my Bob Devlin tapes. So I did a web search to see if there was any more information on him on the
web these days. Your tribute was nearly the only decent hit on him at all.
I have For the Shepherd's Children, String Rambler, and When the Rain Comes Down. I'm writing you
to say thanks for keeping the memory of this brother alive in cyberspace. He deserves more
than being forgotten."
-- Chantilly, VA
"It was so thoughtful of you to write about him to give those who had not heard him a glimpse
of his short life and the way God used him in your life (and many others too, I am sure).
-- Fairfax, VA