Ohio-based songwriter and storytelling veteran Bob Stewart has been at music for a minute. If there’s one thing we’ve all seen and learned in recent years, with the dominance of the internet, it’s that all it really means now is having an upper hand of experience and wisdom to offer people, fans, and music communities.

Stewart has been making music for over 50 years. As the longtime frontman for the Ohio-based Bob Stewart Band, his high-caliber Americana and songwriter-blues songs clearly show that wisdom through finely crafted storytelling that’s reminiscent of John Prine and James Taylor.

Now more than ever, we’re seeing a resurgence in authentic songwriting. When you take AI into account, it’s clear people want real stuff again. Recent successes from artists like Jesse Wells, along with renewed interest sparked by Bob Dylan film, are helping younger audiences get exposed to these sounds. Because of that, this feels like a perfect time and fit for Stewart, connecting both new and old generations. There will always be a place for songwriters and storytelling, and the way Stewart does it, with humor and irony similar to John Prine and Guy Clark, mixed with blues and ragtime finger-picking, is a really powerful skill.

On Stewart’s ‘It’s Snowing in Bangkok’ (released October 2025), he shows what classic, true storytelling looks like, diving into topics like weather, politics, the pandemic, humor, and even a 1960s photo posted in a Gibson Guitar Facebook group. Songs like ‘Hoppin’ Around’ and “Hitchhiking to Paris” highlight his incredible guitar-picking skills and capture a true old-time country-blues feel. In contrast, tracks like ‘Do You Believe’ and ‘Waltz with Rona’ show his light humor, an irony that helps make sense of darker moments, and lets his childlike spirit come through in the writing.

Stewart also recalls that ‘Back in the Day’ was inspired by a drive through scenic southwest Virginia near the Cumberland Gap. His wife was driving, which allowed him to take in the bucolic landscapes. One church sign in particular stood out, simply stating, “King James Bible.” The sign and scenery conjured a nostalgic vibe that made for a strong sing-along chorus.

From journeys involving aliens to Paris, Bob Stewart is an artist we can absolutely get behind, especially in the world we’re living in right now.

Though ‘It’s Snowing in Bangkok’ is a solo album, it also features several high-caliber musicians across various tracks, including John Borchard on dobro, Zeke Hutchison on mandolin, Mark Hellenberg on percussion, Terry Douds on bass, and Jason Smith on tuba.

The album was recorded, mixed, and produced at Peachfork Studios in Pomeroy, Ohio, by Bernie Nau.

Do you have a top 5 desert island albums list?

Bob Stewart:

Any five of these:
‘The Charity of Night ‘(Bruce Cockburn)
‘Bruised Orange’ (John Prine)
‘John Prine’ (John Prine)
‘Revolver’ (The Beatles)
‘Rubber Soul’ (The Beatles)
‘4 Way Street’ (CSNY)
‘Sargent Pepper’ (The Beatles)
‘Blood on the Tracks’ (Bob Dylan)

Love your guitar playing skills, was that you first instrument you learned?

I took some piano lessons before I used some Christmas gift money to buy my first guitar at age nine. I didn’t see cool guys playing piano. That would come later, with people like Elton John, Stevie Wonder and even Paul McCartney showing how to make that work.

What inspired you to start doing music?

My mother was a very talented piano player. She couldn’t read notes, but if you sang her a few bars, she could play it, completely by ear. Growing up in church, I learned to sing in public — first in the collective of the congregation, then in small groups and choirs. And the classic hymns are sung in four-part harmony. The Beatles came along, and of course many, many others, incorporating wonderful harmonies into secular music — pop, folk, country, etc. it all made sense to me.

If you could open up for one modern day artist who would it be?

Bruce Cockburn. I “only” discovered him about 20 years ago, and I’m not sure you’d classify him as “modern” because he’s been around for a long time. But he’s still writing and performing, still using inventive tunings and finger-style guitar playing. If folks reading this article haven’t heard of him, I urge them to check him out.

Love your story telling, have you ever though about doing a children’s album? I feel like you could be so successful in this area too!

I love this question for so many reasons. This album, ‘It’s Snowing in Bangkok,’ is inspired by my three grandchildren and my great nieces and nephews. The title track’s focus is on climate change, which will impact them long after I’m gone. Two Covid-inspired songs reflect that time of great separation and anxiety for our family and millions of other families around the world. The instrumental medley includes tunes named for my three grandchildren. And “Hoppin’ Around” is a kind of musical autobiography, which will tell them of their ol’ grampa long after he’s gone. So what I’m saying is that, in a way, this IS a children’s album. Or at least an album for some very specific children.

On another project I adapted lyrics from a wonderful children’s book. I’m still hoping the publisher will give me permission to release it, which the author also supports.

One last point on this matter, back in the late 70’s I lived on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and took part in puppet shows and singing for children on the street. So the suggestion you make very much resonates with me.

Bob Stewart Instagram