Lobo (musician)

Lobo (born Roland Kent LaVoie, July 31, 1943) is an American singer-songwriter who achieved success in the early 1970s, scoring several U.S. Top 10 hits including "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo," "I'd Love You to Want Me," and "Don't Expect Me to Be Your Friend."

Lobo began his musical career in various local bands in the Tampa, Florida area during the 1960s. He initially gained some recognition as part of the group The Sugar Beats, who had a regional hit. In 1969, he began performing under the name Lobo.

His breakthrough came in 1971 with the release of "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo," which reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's easy-listening, country-tinged style became a signature sound for Lobo.

Throughout the early to mid-1970s, Lobo continued to release successful singles and albums. "I'd Love You to Want Me" reached number 2 in the U.S. and topped charts internationally. Other notable hits include "Don't Expect Me to Be Your Friend," "Would I Still Have You," and "How Can I Tell Her."

While his popularity in the United States waned in the late 1970s, Lobo remained a popular artist internationally, particularly in Asia. He continued to tour and record music, often releasing albums that were more successful in overseas markets.

Lobo's music is characterized by its melodic nature, sentimental lyrics, and his distinctive tenor voice. He is often associated with the soft rock and easy listening genres. His songs have been covered by numerous artists over the years. He maintains a dedicated fanbase and continues to perform occasionally.