Rising Stars: Meet Robert Bogdal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Bogdal. 

Hi Robert, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Nashville a decade ago after working as Creative Director for a Florida Graphics firm. I grew up in Syracuse NY and graduated ultimately from Fort Campbell HS. After HS I attended Art Institute of Pittsburgh where I began my education in photography. I had to attend Point Park University in the day and Art Inst at night for their combined program. As chance would have it, I ended up in Los Angeles and began working for Brad Mooberry as a photographer at what is now AD2. About this time, I started to experiment with music, primarily harmonica with my friend James Zota Baker (guitarist from the band WAR. 

I eventually returned to upstate NY and played with a band The Fat Bobs for many years. I met my wife Heather and switched gears for a while and worked as a PGC with federal law enforcement from 1987 till 1996, eventually the band became my main focus. We moved to Ft Lauderdale in 1996 and in in 2001 Richard Johnston asked if I could go on the road with him. We pumped out approximately 200 shows in 8 months, including Memphis in May, Telluride Blues, and many other festivals. He introduced my to Jessie Mae Hemphill, the Kimbrough and Burnside families. We also spent many nights on Beale Street. 

I eventually got a call from my buddy Elam McKnight and we got together as a duo and produced our critically acclaimed album entitled Zombie Nation, which debut at 13th on the RMRs and stayed there quite a while. We also made the Living Blues charts. It was good fun. 

Then came a point my buddy Jason Ricci harmonica extraordinaire said man come to Nashville there is a lot going on here so we did eventually make the move as I remembered how beautiful the area is. 

Currently, I still work in the studio and just finished work on Elam’s new release last week. I also started doing more digital illustrations primarily because of the isolation from the Covid. I included a surrealist example. 

However about 8 years ago while kayaking on Percy spriest Lake the coach of Fort Campbell Wrestling Anthony Shingler paddled up to me and asked if I ever did any kayak Bass fishing tournaments. We introduced ourselves and he recognized my name because in 1977 I was kY HS state pole vaulting champ, we have been friends since and it started me on a new journey into Pro Kayak Bass fishing. I worked my way to 26th in KBF Angler of the Year in 2016 and have now immersed myself into the sport. With sponsors such as NuCanoe, WooTungsten, and Motor Guide helping me as I strive to compete against some of the best anglers in the country. I still create photographs, primarily B&W which can be seen at robertj.Bogdal on Instagram. Still playing music for select artists 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our biggest obstacle as a family has been the school systems in TN, I will make no further comment other than – not my favorite. Musically I met and now cherish a great group of people/ artists in Nashville who took me in early on such as Juanita at Sound Emporium and Billy and Chip Davis, Donnie Apple and Troy Luccketta, and of course Michael Saint Leon and Elam McKnight. Incredible talent in this town, good people. I would say that this transition from a music city to a sports city I believe is becoming an obstacle for all the obvious reasons. I say this as an AVID Predators and Titans fan. 

Another note there are talent of all levels in Nashville, that said finding talent to tour or to start a new act can be daunting. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Photography was my original passion and I still create fine art mages primarily in B&W I now do illustrations as well more for relaxation and release of the constraints of the mind. 

Mostly known as musician/ Harmonica Player and sometimes partner with Elam McKnight 

McKnight & Bogdal 

Album 

Zombie Nation released 2011 

Debut 13th Roots Music Report 

Elam McKnight, Bob Bogdal, and (Grammy Winner) Tom Hambridge 

Won Shoutie Award for Blues/ Rock album of the year 2011 

22nd on the Living Blues charts for Zombie Nation 2011 

Winners of Howlin Wolf Battle of the Bands as a duo with Elam McKnight 

Last release RADIO Elam McKnight band 

Played on Dudley Harris album 

Recognized worldwide as a blues, juke joint, and sometimes rock harmonica player instrumentalist, with a background in Chicago and North Mississippi styles. 

Currently pursuing a KBF Pro Bass angling career after a 26th Angler of the Year in 2016, with 61 tournaments with 16 top-ten finishes. 

Still recording, ready to get a new band together. Lovin’ life. 

I think what sets me apart as a harmonica player is my ability to play across different genres along with my studio, engineering, and mixing knowledge, 

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Currently looking for a solid band to perform with, record harmonica for, or players to start brand new project.
Meanwhile, I will be striving for a championship in the KBF Pro Series. Always looking for sponsors I can believe in. 

I can be messaged on FB and Instagram 

BobbyBogdalFishing- Instagram 

RobertjBogdal – Instagram for photography 

Bob Bogdal FB 

Contact Info:

• Email: robertjbogdal@gmail.com
• Instagram: bobbybogdalfishing for Angling, robertj.bogdal for photography
• Facebook: Bobby Bogdal

Image Credits
Craig Seay Sepia
Julie Mara
Steve Fields
Bob Bogdal

Suggest a Story: NashvilleVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.