Bob Bellows
Named "Robert Brusen" when he was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin, Bob Bellows' parents wasted no time with his musical education. At the age of four his father sat him on a piano bench and said, "Play!" He has been playing and singing ever since. First in his hometown, and now all over the world!
At the age of 15 he started touring with a small group. Realizing he needed to learn more, Bob enrolled in the McPhail Conservatory of Music in Minneapolis. With a fine musical education, piano and operatic voice training, he set out again on his musical journey to become the finely polished performer he is today.
Winning the "Stairway to Stardom" contest at WCCO Radio Minneapolis earned him an invitation to sing "Love is a Many Splendored Thing", at the World Premiere of the movie in New York City. He went on to experiment with theatre. His performances as the lead in "Life with Father" and "You Can't Take it With You" in regional theatre were widely acclaimed.
Bob's early days of experimentation in different areas of show business honed his skills as a showman which led to interviews on many radio and TV talk shows. But music is Bob's heart and soul. If you ask him, he will tell you, he feels he is best in live concert venues.
He has performed for diplomats, ambassadors and diversified audiences in many countries - Africa, Russia, Europe, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau as well as the United States. Bob has earned his place as an internationally acclaimed performer, winning the hearts of his fans in concert halls, night clubs and music colleges - performing jazz, cabaret, Broadway show tunes and love songs that bring memories, tears, laughter and romance to his listeners.
Bob will tell you, he believes that music is a ladder for the soul. He shares his gift freely with everyone, whether in fine music halls and theatres in Russia, hotels in the Caribbean and South America, luxury cruise ships, or in the "gers" (tents) of the nomad tribes of Mongolia.
John D. MacDonald, the popular author of mystery novels wrote of Bob, "I am intrigued by this good man - in good voice - creating all those nostalgias, big and small, which are a necessary magic to us all."
Sammy Cahn, song writer for Frank Sinatra and famous composer for the stars, after one of Bob's performances sent him a note: "You are a "P.P.P" which stands for "Proper Piano Player" and that is the highest compliment I know."
An Asian critic wrote: "Bob Bellows is the absolute essence of the All-American entertainer with an international flair."
"I Wish You Love" is a reprise of Bob's personal favorites from his previously released albums. His first CD release, "Straight Down the Middle" leads off with the famous golf song written by Sammy Cahn. Bob and his friends, internationally recognized jazz artists, are featured. Bonus tracks include Bob's Jazz Stride Piano.
Bob is committed to serving the goals of an international community whether at home or abroad, through his work and in his personal life. Bob and his wife, Jene, make their home in Florida and China.