Lincoln Music Producer Bob Marlette: A Journey Through a Legendary Career

Bob Marlette, a Lincoln, Nebraska native and Southeast High School alumnus, has built an illustrious career as a versatile music producer, songwriter, and session musician in Los Angeles. Known for working with iconic artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Sheryl Crow, Alice Cooper, and Rob Zombie, Marlette’s journey from a small-town music enthusiast to a multi-platinum music producer is a testament to adaptability, networking, and relentless ambition. His extensive discography, which spans genres and decades, includes collaborations with Black Sabbath, Tracy Chapman, Shinedown, and more. Explore his full credits here. In this exclusive interview, we dive into Bob Marlette’s career trajectory, his experiences in the music industry, and his advice for aspiring musicians looking to break into the competitive world of music production.

The Early Days in Lincoln, Nebraska

How did your music career begin in Lincoln?

Bob: It all started at Dietz Music in Lincoln. Technically, it was my only “real job.” I was friends with the owner, Doug Fenton, who hired me to demo instruments for customers. I’d play guitars and other instruments to show off what they could do, convincing parents to buy them for their kids. I was essentially Doug’s ringer—his worst employee ever, though, because I was always late and often slept behind the Marshall Stack amps after late-night gigs. I was usually exhausted from playing shows all night.

Interestingly, other Southeast High School alumni, like James Valentine from Maroon 5, also worked at Dietz. I later brought James and Sean Bestie to LA, where we recorded an album called Square. It’s still one of my favorite projects—super inventive. Unfortunately, band drama derailed it just as 10 record labels were ready to sign us.

The Move to Los Angeles: Chasing the Dream

When did you realize you needed to leave Lincoln to pursue your music career?

Bob: I left Lincoln around 1974 or 1975. Back then, the local music scene revolved around clubs like The Royal Grove and Little Bowes, with occasional shows at Pla Mor. My band, Oedipus, was one of the biggest in Lincoln at the time. We played all over Nebraska and Iowa, starting when I was about 14. My first gig was a battle of the bands at Pershing Auditorium with a band called Roach—ironic because we were so young we didn’t even understand the name’s connotation. We came in second, and Oedipus, with the Paul brothers, took first. They saw me play and invited me to join them.

While my bandmates were content being big fish in a small pond, I wanted more. By 18, I knew I had to leave. A singer from Omaha connected me with Rudy Sarzo and Frankie Banali, who later formed Quiet Riot. We put a band together in my parents’ basement in Lincoln—an early version of Quiet Riot, believe it or not—and headed to Chicago to chase gigs through a booking agent. That was the start of my journey to LA.

Breaking Into the LA Music Scene

What was it like arriving in LA in the 1970s?

Bob: In 1977, Rudy, Frankie, and I drove to LA in my dad’s old gold Plymouth station wagon, towing a U-Haul trailer with everything we owned. I had about $120 to my name—total reckless abandon, but I was 19 or 20 and ready to make it happen. The Sunset Strip was the epicenter of the music world back then. We hung out at The Rainbow Room, a legendary club where bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath partied. We were so broke we’d sleep in the car and charm our way into meals and places to crash. It was survival mode, but what a time to be in LA.

The scene was electric. You’d meet someone at The Rainbow, and they’d introduce you to another musician or producer. That’s how I met Toni Childs, a singer who had hits in the ‘80s. We dated, lived together, and formed a band. That’s how it worked—you climbed the ladder one rung at a time. Every connection led to another opportunity.

From Session Musician to Music Producer

How did you transition from playing gigs to becoming a sought-after music producer?

Bob: I said yes to everything. Bands would call me to play keyboards on their demos, and I’d do it, even if there was no pay. Every session was a chance to network and prove myself. If you were good, people noticed, and they’d call you back. That’s how I broke into the studio world. Eventually, I got so busy that I had to prioritize paying gigs, and that’s when the money started coming in.

The studio was where the magic happened. Performing live was fun, but the studio was a mystery I wanted to unravel. I was fascinated by how producers and engineers created iconic sounds. I worked with everyone—Wilson Phillips, Rick Springfield, Al Stewart, Sheryl Crow, Marilyn Manson, Black Sabbath, you name it. I never distinguished between genres; it was all just music to me. That versatility became my strength.

Advice for Aspiring Musicians and Producers

What advice would you give to the next generation of musicians and music producers?

Bob: Dream big—it’s part of the fun! Say yes to every opportunity early on to build your experience and credits. The more versatile you are, the better you’ll get. Be a chameleon, adapt to different genres, and network relentlessly. Who you know is everything in the music industry. Meet people, get your name out there, and always be open to new connections. Experience doesn’t just happen—you have to chase it.

What’s Next for Bob Marlette?

Now in his 60s, Bob Marlette, the legendary music producer from Lincoln, Nebraska, isn’t slowing down but is becoming more selective with his projects. He plans to focus on personal creative endeavors while continuing to mentor aspiring musicians through his Pro Mix Academy, where he shares music production tips for software like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live. His career, spanning decades and genres, is a masterclass in adaptability and persistence. For aspiring music producers, songwriters, and session musicians, Bob’s recipe for success is simple: never stop trying new things, lean into what you love, bet on yourself, and always be networking. Most importantly, do work you’re proud of, share it with the world, and the rewards will follow.

We look forward to following Bob Marlette’s next chapter and reconnecting with this Lincoln music legend soon.