Growing up in a banking family in Louisville, KY, Bob started to play the piano and compose at age four with the gift of perfect pitch. He went on to win numerous national talent competitions including the Coca-Cola Talent Contest and was accepted for private study by the University of Louisville School of Music at age twelve. After earning a BA from Centre College and completing graduate music studies at the University of North Texas (classical and jazz), he studied composition with Hall Overton at the Julliard School of Music. He also received a Downbeat Magazine award scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston. After juggling two careers in both music and banking for many years, Hardwick left behind Citibank and the US Trust Company to focus entirely on music.
The Bob Hardwick Sound Sensation is Bob’s new pop/rock dance and recording group specifically tailored to provide a full range of contemporary pop and rock ‘n’ roll from the 60’s right through today’s top hits. With engagements all over the US, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Bob’s dazzling keyboard artistry, the orchestra’s irresistible beat, and a repertoire that delights all ages, cannot be equaled. Hardwick’s music makes every party a success, including Presidential Inaugurals, weddings of all sizes, private parties, benefit galas, corporate events, and debutante balls. Town & Country Magazine has designated the orchestra as the “Best of the Best” and one of the top three dance orchestras in the U.S. Quest magazine raved, “… a band so good you can’t sit down, even if you have two left feet.”
Bob, who is a past composer member of the renowned BMI Broadway Theatre Workshop, wrote and performed two original theme scores for two recent television series, “The Home Front” and “Hunters in the Sky” which were featured on PBS and the Discovery Channel, and his pop songs with Bob Crewe are featured on the Elektra label. He continually works on recording projects with well-known artists and producers in the contemporary pop field. In his work over the past few years, he has worked with Paul McCartney, Kenny Loggins, Stevie Wonder, David Foster, Natalie Cole, Little Richard, Barry Manilow, Adam Levine, and Roberta Flack.
Hardwick was the subject of feature articles in “PEOPLE”, “FORTUNE”, and “Quest” magazines, highlighting his successful orchestra and recording career.
Hardwick played for his fifth Inaugural Ball and seventh U.S. President by performing at the prestigious Illinois Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. for President Barack Obama. Consistently one of the top dance orchestras in the country, BHSS plays an irresistible dance beat of big band, swing, rock, pop and soul that caters to every generation.