Robert LaRoche — A Sacred Vow to the Craft

Robert LaRoche’s story begins in the paper mill town of Holyoke, Massachusetts, where music filled the house thanks to older siblings and a grandfather who immigrated from Canada. By twelve he had a guitar in his hands, and by fifteen he was earning money playing the songs that shaped him — especially the harmonies of The Everly Brothers, his lifelong influence.

In the late ’80s, Robert formed The Sighs, a band that would carry him from small town stages to a major label deal with Virgin Records. By 1991, they were in Los Angeles recording their debut album at the iconic A&M Studios, stepping into the same rooms that shaped generations of artists.

Robert moved to Manhattan in 1994, where he continued writing, performing, and carving out a life in music. Thirty-six years ago, he met Patricia Vonne, and the two have been creative partners ever since — touring, recording, and building a shared artistic legacy.

In this episode, Robert reflects on the long arc of his career, the craft that keeps him grounded, and the joy of still making music that matters. He’ll be performing at The Jazz Club in San Antonio on March 10 for SXSW, and again with Patricia Vonne on March 12 at The Continental Club in Austin.

This conversation is a tribute to the working-class roots, the major label highs, the New York years, and the enduring spirit of a musician who never stopped believing in the power of a well-built song.