A Bobby Womack Tribute

Bobby with Sam Cooke

Thank you for stopping by this special edition of the Science of Soul, because this weeks program is dedicated entirely to the music of recently late Bobby Womack (4/3/44 - 27/6/14.)  Some may think this is a slight indulgence on my part, but the older I have got the greater my appreciation of Bobby's music as become. He has been a regular on the Science of Soul playlists since day one, his contribution to the growth of soul music is immeasurable, in fact his contribution to music period is truly astounding through his writing and the way he was accepted in all genre's of music, Rod Stewart once said he would love to make an album as great as "The Poet." The Rolling Stones had to this day one of there biggest hits with "It's All Over Now," a song originally recorded by The Valentinos in 1965 and written by himself.

He dipped his toe into Country music for his "BW Sings CW" album which incidentally he wanted to title it; "Step Aside Charley Pride You Ain't The Only N****r Who Can Sing Country Music," for some reason the record company wouldn't go for it, LOL. His list of duets and guest vocal appearances run from Ray Charles to Bill Withers, Lulu to The Crusaders and as guitar player he played on sessions with Sam Cooke to Sly Stone, Dusty Springfield to Janis Joplin.

Cooke's own label

Bobby Womack was a man without limits to him music was music, his life was as colorful as his music career, Incredible highs and times of deep despair, it was all these things that made him the man that he was, I am sure by the time this goes on air you will be tired of reading Bobby his obituary's that tell of his troubles over the years, don't let that overshadow his greatness he was after all only human he hid nothing how many of us can say that......When I gathered my thoughts to prepare this program I decided not to pick up a discography because that would not accurately reflect what music that had touched my life.  I'm not a music journalist or a statistician, I'm a fan, and this reflects in the music that I have chosen. I was fortunate enough to meet the man and blessed to be around people of that elk. Back then I took it all for granted but looking back I now realize how blessed I was...so R.I.P.  Bobby Womack and I thank you for enriching my life..

This weeks playlist 06-07-14


Hour One
Stop On By
You're Messing Up A Good Thing
So Many Sides Of You
Communication
If You Don't Want My Love
I'm Through Tryin' To Prove My Love To You
If You Want My Love Put Something Down On It
When Love Begins Friendship Ends
I Don't Wanna Be Hurt By Love Again
Close To You
And I Love Her
I Wish It Would Rain
We've Only Just Begun

Hour Two
Facts Of Life
If You Cant Give Her Love Give Her Up
Across 110th Street
I Can Understand It
That's The Way I Feel About Cha'
Love As Finally Come At Last
If You Think Your Lonely Now
I Wish I Had Someone To Go Home To
American Dream
Woman's Gotta Have It
One More Chance On Love

Bobby Womack's Biography:

Born 4 March 1944, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. A founder member of the Valentinos, this accomplished musician also worked as a guitarist in Sam Cooke's touring band. He scandalized the music fraternity by marrying Barbara Campbell, Cooke's widow, barely three months after the ill-fated singer's death. Womack's early solo singles, "Nothing You Can Do" and the superb "I Found A True Love", were all but shunned and, with the Valentinos now in disarray, he reverted to session work. Womack became a fixture at Chips Moman's American Recording Studio, but although he appeared on many recordings, this period is best recalled for his work with Wilson Pickett. "I'm In Love" and "I'm A Midnight Mover" are two of the 17 Womack songs that particular artist would record. Bobby meanwhile resurrected his solo career with singles on Keymen and Atlantic Records. Signing with Minit Records, he began a string of R&B hits, including "It's Gonna Rain", "How I Miss You Baby" (both 1969) and "More Than I Can Stand (1970).

His authoritative early album, The Womack Live, then introduced the freer, more personal direction he would undertake in the 70s. The final catalyst for change was There's A Riot Going On, Sly And The Family Stone's 1971 collection on which Womack played guitar. Its influence was most clearly heard on "Communication", the title track to Womack's first album for United Artists Records. Part of a prolific period, the follow-up album, Understanding, was equally strong, and both yielded impressive singles, which achieved high positions in the R&B charts. "That's The Way I Feel About Cha" (number 2), "Woman's Gotta Have It" (number 1) and "Harry Hippie" (number 8), which confirmed his new found status. Successive albums from Facts Of Life, Looking For A Love Again and I Don't Know What The World Is Coming To, consolidated the accustomed mixture of original songs, slow raps and cover versions. BW Goes C&W (1976), a self-explanatory experiment, closed his United Artists contract, but subsequent work for CBS Records and Arista Records was undistinguished. In 1981 Womack signed with Beverly Glen, a small Los Angeles independent, where he recorded The Poet. This powerful set re-established his career while a single, "If You Think You're Lonely Now", reached number 3 on the R&B chart. The Poet II (1984) featured three duets with Patti LaBelle, one of which, "Love Has Finally Come At Last", was another hit single. Womack moved to MCA Records in 1985, debuting with So Many Rivers. A long-standing friendship with the Rolling Stones was emphasized that year when he sang back-up on their version of "Harlem Shuffle". Womack remained fairly quiet during the 90s, although he returned to the recording studio in 1999 with his first ever gospel set, Back To My Roots. An expressive, emotional singer, his best work stands among black music's finest moments.