Bob Roberts (Tai'R Felin)

Bob Roberts, known affectionately as "Bob Tai’r Felin," was a celebrated Welsh folk singer whose roots ran deep in the rural community of Bala, Merionethshire, where he was born in 1870. He followed his father’s footsteps as both a miller and a farmer, but it was his exceptional singing voice that made him a standout figure in Welsh cultural life. For nearly half a century, Bob served as a precentor, Sunday school teacher, and later elder at Cwmtirmynach Presbyterian chapel, and he became a beloved presence at concerts, eisteddfodau, and literary meetings throughout the region.

Bob’s mastery of traditional Welsh ballads and his engaging presentation style led him to win the folk song competition at the 1931 Bangor National Eisteddfod, marking the start of his broader fame. He co-founded the vocal group Parti Tai’r Felin and gained national recognition through radio and film appearances, most notably on the BBC series *Noson Lawen* and in the film of the same name (released as *The Harvest* in English). Records of his performances were released by companies like Decca, Teldisc, and Sain, helping to preserve and popularize classic Welsh songs such as "Mari Fach fy Nghariad" and "Moliannwn." Bob Roberts became known as the King of Welsh ballad singers, leaving a lasting legacy in Welsh folk music until his death in 1951.

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