Todd Hobin

Todd Hobin is a musician, producer and educator who lives in the Syracuse, New York area. He is best known as the leader of the Todd Hobin Band, which celebrated its 40th anniversary of touring and releasing records in 2014.
Hobin was born in Rochester, New York. He attended the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam. That's where he met fellow singer, guitarist and songwriter Doug Moncrief, who became his band mate and lifelong songwriting collaborator. Also in the rock band that quickly caught the attention of the industry was Hobin's brother, Shawn, on drums, and Bruce Fowler on guitar. Decades later, his son, Brett Hobin, joined the band on bass.
The Todd Hobin Band toured the country, opening on national tours for the Beach Boys, The Kinks, the Allman Brothers Band and Hall and Oates.
The band's self-titled debut album was released by Aries Records in 1978, and its 10 songs included the popular "I Hate You (A Love Song)" and "New York Country Song." The former became a popular crowd sing-along at live shows, and the latter was a sweet ode to upstate New York's country music roots and influence on the band's melodic rock style.
The follow-up record in 1980 was titled Passion and the Pain. Of its nine songs, "Vickii," "Angel," "Bad Break for Eddie," "Home Again" and the title cut all made the band's live album, The Dream: 1974-91.
In 1982, Syracuse veteran musician Mark Doyle produced the album Keepin' the Dream Alive. Its 11 songs also included popular songs "How Do I Kiss You," "Talkin' Like a Fool" and "No Words."
Aries also released a five-cut EP in 1985.
Hobin put out The Early Years, which included his four previous studio albums, in 2012.
In 2012, the band also released a new 10-song collection, It's Not Over.
More recently, Hobin put out Wellness Suite, a solo record of eight New Age compositions.
Hobin was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame in 1996.
He still plays live shows with the full band, and in a trio with his son Brett and Moncrief.
Hobin has also written musical scores that have appeared in movies, TV and audio books, including King Kong, Goose Girl and Fairest, a novel by Gail Carson Levine. He was music director and lead songwriter for popular PBS show Pappyland.
In the 1990s, Hobin opened his own recording studio.
He won an Audie Award for his production of Graceling by Kristin Cashore.
Hobin's mother was an artist; his father was an opera singer. He used his genes from both. His drawings have been displayed online, in books and on posters around the world.
Hobin is an adjunct professor of music at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, and is asked to lecture about the history of rock 'n' roll around the country. He also volunteers his time as a judge for various youth competitions.
He and his wife, Joann, reside in the Syracuse area. They have six grown children and four grandchildren.

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