A small independent concern, Hobo appears to have been the record arm of publishing company Mr. Sam Music. It was owned and run by Monty Babson, who also ran the Morgan Studios. It operated from 1979 until at least 1985, issuing approximately half-a-dozen albums and twenty singles during that period without ever bothering the Charts. Some years were more fruitful than others: after a busy 1979 Hobo put out one single in 1980, six in 1981, two in 1982, none in 1983 and one apiece in 1984 and 1985. Its first appearance in 'Music Week' came in the form of an advert, in the edition of the 5th of May, which revealed that Pinnacle was handling distribution. 'MW' of the 12th of May added that Monty Babson was the producer or artist on Hobo's first four releases.
One label design served throughout, and some singles came in a company sleeve - thanks to Sam Mauger for supplying that scan. Numbering was in a HOS-000 series. The company's first single was by hit-makers Typically Tropical, but 'My Rubber Ball' b/w 'The Joker' (HOS-001; 5/79) failed to match the success of their No.1, 'Barbados'. Its last, in 1985, was the aptly named 'Hello Again And Goodbye' by Joan Cunningham (HOS-027). The rest of Hobo's output included a surprising number of now sought-after items: 7" records by the John Thomas Band and the Eric Bell Band can sell for three figure sums, and singles by Magician and The Bumpers are also well worth picking up if you see them. Distribution was by PRT from 1981 onwards. The discography below only covers the 1970s. Thanks to Deepinder Cheema for information supplied.
Copyright 2006 Robert Lyons.