After 50 years on the radio and nearly as many as a bandleader, the 70-year-old bluesman thanked Marshalltown for the decades of hosting him, and the years ahead as he keeps truckin’ on.

When asked how many times he’s played in Marshalltown Dorr couldn’t help but laugh — he didn’t attempt to count.

“Since 1978? Probably a few hundred,” he said. “My first show in Marshalltown was working for the Williams family at a place called The Office, which turned into another bar called Bungo I think.”

He said the family brings that first contract around on occasion, and they get a laugh at it. Even with inflation, he didn’t recall the fee being monumental.

Carrie Grimes Barr is the former president and current member of the Friends of Marshall County Conservation. She’s also the daughter of the original owners of Grimes Farm. She said Thursday was the best crowd of the summer concert series thus far, which was substantiated by a full parking lot that spilled onto the gravel road entering the farm.

“I do not know Bob very well but have been communicating with him for years,” Grimes Barr said. “He is just as friendly by email as he is in person. He’s well-known, talented and has won tons of accolades.”

Dorr was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 for radio, 2007 as a musician and into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2005. Grimes Barr is struck by the generosity and graciousness of a man with such an illustrious career.

“He could charge much more, but he generously gives us a good price and then gives back as well,” she said. “He always makes a point of acknowledging the efforts of everyone around him, from the food trucks to the beautiful surroundings. He knows the effort that goes into creating the concerts.”

He was flattering when introducing his band, which included fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jeff Petersen. Dorr also noted Petersen’s success in the Iowa senior golf tournament circuit, eliciting a blushing response.

Dorr acknowledged Marshalltown residents for investing in their community through events like this one at what he called a beautiful public space. He has traveled countless miles through Iowa and thanked the crowd for investing in the highways and roads that lead into Marshalltown.

“I hope shows like Grimes Farm go on for a long long time,” Dorr said. “Marshalltown has put a lot of investment into infrastructure and rebuilding through the storms. I have admiration for these people, and I’m proud of Marshalltown and its perseverance.”

Shows like the ones at Grimes Farm hit a sweet spot for Dorr and friends at this point in their career. His fans are aging alongside him, and a show starting at 5:30 p.m. is ideal because they’re ready to go home by eight.

Many opportunities still present themselves to the beyond established musician, but playing clubs for young people that run until 1 a.m. isn’t one of them.

“Jeff Petersen and I have played together for 41 years. Looking forward it’s more of a year to year kind of thing, and that’s been eye opening,” he said. “When I was a kid I thought I’d play forever, but now as age plays a factor I wonder if I can physically go as I used to.”

Dorr considers himself lucky as he’s found himself in situations over the past 50 years that provided opportunity. It didn’t just magically happen – it’s been the connections and relationships he’s developed that has built a community that lead him from gig to gig.

“I’ve got a lot of connections in Marshalltown, mostly personal connections I’ve developed over 40 years. I feel like a cousin who comes back three times a year,” Dorr said. “Building relationships is a crucial part of life, whether on stage or not.”

Iowa State Fair goers can catch “Bob Dorr’s Music Review” at the MidAmerican Energy Stage on Saturday for two shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dorr has played that stage since 1983, although it’s evolved over the years from hay bail seating to a beautiful modern venue.

Next time you’re traveling down the road and the clock strikes 4 p.m. on Saturday or 9 a.m. on Sunday, turn the dial to Iowa Public Radio. You’ll be greeted by a warm, rich and recognizable voice inviting you to hop on his blues bus and ride through rock and roll history.