I played guitar and sang lead vocal in groups and bands throughout the 60's - 80's. Took to songwriting in the 90's when evening and weekend work meant playing gigs was no longer feasible.Now retired, I write and record at home, mainly Americana/Country Rock but I try to go wherever inspiration takes me. Some of my best songs are Celtic or Classical influenced. I have been invited to write songs for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and for the Sir Cliff Richard's Diamond Jubilee in Showbiz. I have reached the Finals of the UK Songwriting Contest four times and have been interviewed on BBC Radio.
I'm primarily a guitarist but can play keyboard.

Behind the Scenes with Bob Bentley Music

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Skills & Expertise

Starting Out - Decca Records

Back at the start of my musical journey in 1964 The Rhythm Runners, the group that I played lead guitar in was "discovered" by Decca Records while we were recording at Regent Sound Studios in London. That session was jaw dropping in many ways and had a big impact on our lives for some time afterwards. The full story is the subject of a blog; All In One Day in 1964

Successes

Joe Brown

My first hint of success was Joe Brown taking three of my songs to Nashville for a country album. Although they didn't make it onto the album, Joe is a top UK performer with a long and successful career, having songs selected by him confirmed the credibility of my songwriting.

Radio Appearances

Several with with BBC Radio Solent;

Live interview to talk about the Songwriting Contest results in January 2013, Love Is In The Things I Do was played on air.

Live Christmas Day interview in 2011 on the Richard Cartridge Show on BBC Radio Solent. At Christmas Time was played on air.

Concert Performances

Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth to audiences ranging from c.450 to c.850 at Christmas Concerts. At Christmas Time was a particular hit in 2011 and Dance Hall Of Dreams (written especially for the occasion) brought the house down in 2014 - and sold out CD stocks afterwards.

Cliff Richard Diamond Jubilee

As one of only three songwriters, I was invited by the Guild Of International Songwriters and Composers (GISC) to write a song to be presented to Sir Cliff at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018 to celebrate his 50th year in Showbiz, his Diamond Jubilee. My song, is here Like A Diamond. Regrettably it was not selected but was runner-up to a very worthy song, Diamond by Paul Whitfield.

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee

Again I was asked to submit lyrics for a Commonwealth Song to celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee. Although not selected, the song received significant praise from an esteemed selection panel and was in the final shortlist. Consequently, I was to be credited in the special Souvenir Booklet presented to Her Majesty - a real honour for me.

Musical Collaborations

I enjoy collaborating online and have worked with some extremely talented artists and songwriters. Partners include Emma Jane from Scotland (provided an amazing vocal to Love Is In The Things I Do), Julia Schmidt from New Jersey (presently establishing herself in her own career as a Nashville based Faith artist who duetted with me in We Can Be Lovers Again), Junior Murrell (UK), CC Lamondt (SA), Susan Odella (US), John Walradt & Cyndi Corkran (US) and, most recently, mPHATic (NZ) with Cyndi in a work in progress.

Online Music Libraries

Several songs have been accepted by Media Companies in their online music libraries.