Robert Dobyne

The lead vocalist for Chicago-based soul band, the Artistics, during the late-1960s, Robert Dobyne had his greatest success as a songwriter. His collaborations with songsmiths Robert Staunton and Charles Jones yielded such tunes as "Say You", covered by the Temptations on their 1966 album, Getting' Ready, and "Never Leave Your Baby's Side, covered by Martha and the Vandellas the following year. A native of the Windy City, Dobyne joined the Artistics in 1963, five years after the group had been launched at Marshall High School by vocalist, Major Lance. Although his velvety baritone was heard on such singles as "Get My Hands On Some Lovin'", Dobyne left the Artistics after a year, with ex-El Diablo vocalist Marvin Smith taking his place. While the Artistics went on to score with a minor hit, "I'm Gonna Miss You" in 1966, and continued to perform until 1973, Dobyne faded into obscurity. ~ Craig Harris