Carl Dobkins, Jr.

Carl Dobkins, Jr. (born 13 January 1941, Cincinnati, Ohio) is an American singer best known for his 1959 hit, "My Heart is an Open Book," which went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Seniors, Dobkins' backup group, included Keith Ross, Paul Powers, Harry Clifton. The Seniors first met with a common interest in singing at Nast Memorial Methodist Church in Cincinnati. The group sang together for approximately eight years.

Dobkins and the Seniors were promoted by Gil Sheppard, a local Cincinnati radio disc jockey, who noted the young singer's early high school compositions and a two song demo record. This led to a recording contract with Fraternity record label that resulted in one record being released.

After recording "If You Don't Want My Lov'in" at King Records studios, Sheppard sold the master recording to Decca Records. Dobkins then recorded sessions for Decca in Nashville, Tennessee, which included "My Heart is an Open Book" in 1959, which reached #3 on the pop chart.

Dobkins was featured frequently at Castle Farms, and on television for the Bob Braun Show (WLW-T, Cincinnati). He appeared fourteen times as a guest on Dick Clark's American Bandstand. Dobkins still lives in Cincinnati and performs upon individual request.

Dobkins married Janice Cox in 1960. He has two daughters and five grandchildren. Carl has been inducted into the Cincinnati Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and is now retired and occasionally performs at Oldies Festivals.

Dobkins sang a lot of rockabilly, as well, as his contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Discography

Fraternity F-794 Jan 1958 "Take Hold Of My Hand"/"That's Why I'm Asking"

Decca 9-30656 May 1958 "If You Don't Want My Lovin'"/"Love is Everything"

Decca ED 2664 Aug 1959 "If You Don't Want My Lovin'"/"Love is Everything"/"My Heart Is An Open Book"/"My Pledge to You"

Decca 9-31088 Apr 1960 "One Little Girl"

External links

[http://www.rockabillyhall.com/CarlDobkinsJr1.html Dobkin's page at the Rockabilly Hall of Fame]