ARTIST NUMBER 8…………..BOBBY WOMACK
Robert Dwayne (Bobby) Womack was Born on 4th March 1944 in Cleveland Ohio USA.
His Parents were Naomi & Friendly Womack and He was the 3rd out of 5 Brothers.
Bobby Womack is a Singer/Song-Writer, Producer and Musician, His main Instrument is the Guitar.
At an Early age, Bobby & his Brothers Toured the Gospel Circuit in the USA, with their Parents, their Band was Named “The Womack Brothers”
In 1954, when Bobby was 10 years old, the Band Released their First single.
Two Years later in 1956, the Band was Discovered by the Late Great Sam Cooke, and went on to Record for Cooke’s “Sar Record Label”
Soon after “The Womack Brothers” Changed their Name to the “Valentino’s” and started Recording “Pop Music”
They had a few Minor Hits during the early 60’s, then in 1963 their First Hit Single made it to Number 8 in the US R&B Chart “Lookin’ For a Love”
But this Success was short Lived, as the following Year “Sam Cooke” Died, following a Altercation in a Motel, and His Record Label and the “Valentinos” both Folded!
Shortly afterwards Bobby Womack went Solo, but without too much Success, and by 1965. He had at the age of 21, Married Sam Cooke’s Widow.
This (Marriage) was to cause Controversy with Bobby Womack’s Singing Career, with Radio Station’s Refusing to Play his Music, and by 1966 He was doing Mainly Session (Writing and playing) work for other Artist’s, including Playing Guitar on several “Aretha Franklin” Album’s.
By 1968 He had Signed for “Minit Records” and Recorded His First Solo Album it was named “Fly Me To The Moon” it contained His First Crossover Hit “California Dreaming”
(the Mamas & Papas Hit).
He made 2 more album for “Minit Records” before Leaving for “United Artists” Record Label in 1971.
With the Move to “United Artists” Bobby Womack changed his Image & Musical Direction, His First Album Release was “Communication” Reaching Number 7 in the US R&B Charts.
The following Year of 1972, in the Spring, Bobby Womack had his First Top 40 Hit “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha” on the “Billboard Chart” Reaching Number 27 and Number 2 on the US R&B Chart.
During the Early 70’s to the Mid 70’s, Bobby Womack had several Hits including : “Harry Hippie” Woman’s Got To Have It “Looking For A Love” You’re Welcome, Stop on By and Across 110th Street.
Bobby Womack’s Career seemed to come to a halt after his Younger Brother Died in 1974, this lasted until the late 70’s.
Co-Incidentally around this time Bobby Womack Be-friended
Sly Stone after appearing on the Sly & The Family Stone Album “There’s a Riot Going On” Playing Guitar, but this Friendship would Lead Womack to Drug’s!
By 1981 Bobby Womack was Back, He Signed for “Beverly Glen Records” He had Kicked his Drug Habit and Back on Song where His Music was concerned!
The Album was called “The Poet” it was a Great Success, Reaching Number 1 on the US R&B Album Chart and also getting into the Pop Album Chart at Number 29.
The Album contained some Great Songs including “Secrets” and the Classic “If You Think You’re Lonely Now”
This was Followed up in 1984 by “The Poet 2” also on Beverly Glen, I actually Liked this Album More than “The Poet”
It had some Great Tracks on it, including “Love Finally Come At Last” a Duet with Patti Labelle, Tell Me Why and “I Wish I Had Someone To Come Home To”
In 1985 He Released another Great Album, entitled “So Many Rivers” Featuring some Great tracks including: I Wish He Didn’t Trust Me So Much” Only Survivor and Gypsy Woman.
But again during the Late 80’s Stories of Drug Abuse surfaced again and Record Sales Fell.
He only Released 4 Albums during to 90’s and 1 Release in the Year of 2000.
Then from 2001 onwards there has been No Albums until this Year, when “The Bravest Man In The Universe” was Released.
It was announced this Year that after Beating Cancer, Bobby Womack was going to Tour again!
Click here for a Full In Depth Life Story on Bobby Womack.
Bobby Womack Discography
Studio Albums…..27
Live Albums….2
Compilations…9
Singles……47
Checkout some Great Bobby Womack Track’s
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