Bob Birch

Robert Wayne Birch (July 14, 1956 – August 15, 2012) was an American musician, best known as the bass player for Elton John. Bob Birch was born in Detroit and grew up in suburban Sterling Heights and St. Clair Shores, Michigan. At an early age, he was inspired to pursue music by his father Chet, an upright bassist. Birch began playing the alto saxophone and mirroring the styles of Paul Desmond and Cannonball Adderley. Around seventh grade, he tried the electric bass because of his fascination with the Motown sound, and groups like Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. He began playing on his junior-high band director's Mosrite bass at lunch breaks. Because he also had a passion for classical music, Birch focused his school studies on the bassoon. He was recognized by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association for his wins at music festival competitions and, as a senior at Lakeview High School, he won the Louis Armstrong award. Birch won a scholarship from the state of Michigan to enroll in Wayne State University, initially as a pre-med student. In 1980, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in music education and performance and then spent some time as a music teacher in the Warren Consolidated Schools district.