Bobby Womack: Give Our Legends Their Flowers.

Bobby Womack had a career that spanned over 6 decades and was far from a rookie. Beginning his career as a member of The Valentinos (The Womack Brothers) & Sam Cooke’s backing guitarist, Bobby went on to have a remarkable solo career and as a songwriter.

Bobby’s name may be attached to how controversial his marriage to first wife Linda Cooke (Sam’s wife) was, but his music is TIMELESS okay! If that doesn’t convince you that he’s been deserving of his Flowers, I don’t know what to tell you!

He’s one of the most amazing songwriters of all time. Songs he’s written have gone into the hands of The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart and so many others!

Of course it wouldn’t be a markizdj.com post with shouting out artists who has covered or sampled Bobby’s remarkable catalog!

The 50s:

Albums Released: N/A

Bobby was 10 years old when he was in the family gospel group “Curtis Womack and the Womack Brothers” when they were noticed by Sam Cooke (who was a member of the Soul Stirrers,) & he mentored the group and helped them get on tour.

The 60s:

Albums Released: Fly Me to the Moon.

The group signed to SAR Records (a label started by Sam Cooke to help African-Americans record music in the racist 60s music world).

The group released two gospel songs that did not chart at all, in which Sam suggested to go into a world of secular music.

The group eventually changed their name to the Valentinos, and had a string of hit singles of gospel numbers with a soulful twist with “Lookin’ for a Love,” “Couldn’t Heat Nobody Pray” & “It’s All Over Now,” which was covered by The Rolling Stones.

However the group’s career took a turn for the worst with the death of Sam Cooke, who was shockingly shot and killed in late 1964 (His label folded and the group eventually disbanded).

After the aftermath of the scandal Bobby was in with marrying Sam Cooke’s widow, he was ostracized in the world of music. His brother turned against him, along with his fans..& he also attacked by Sam’s brother for marrying Barbara Cooke. He became a popular songwriter and a session musician for artists like Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and many more.

He released his debut solo album in 1969, which he scored his first hit with his cover of “California Dreamin'” by The Mamas & The Papas.

The 70s:

Albums Released: My Prescription, Communication, Understanding, Facts of Life, Lookin’ for a Love Again, I Don’t Know What the World Is Coming To, Safety Zone, BW Goes C&W, Home Is Where the Heart Is, Pieces, Roads of Life.

Bobby’s Communication album had one of his signature hits “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha,” and was his breakthrough solo record.

Bobby kept the hits coming with “Harry Hippie,” “Across 110th Street,” “Looking for a Love,” “Daylight,” “Check It Out” and many more.

The 80s:

Albums Released: The Poet, The Poet II, So Many Rivers, Someday We’ll All Be Free, Womagic, The Last Soul Man, Save the Children.

Bobby’s “The Poet” album is one of the best albums you’ll ever hear in your lifetime! My favorite Bobby song rests here (If You Think You’re Lonely Now,) and it never ever gets old.