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A LITTLE BACKROUND ON
BOBBY...
earthjuice:
The Bobby Womack
chat session starts at 10 pm est (in 1/2hr.)
earthjuice:
Beginning his career in the 1950s, Bobby has been in the forefront
of five decades of soul music. Alongside
a roster of immortals like Sam Cooke, Sly Stone and Marvin Gaye, Bobby
created the body of work that helped define classic soul.
But unlike
most of his musical contemporaries, Bobby continues to produce new music
today, a music based on his experience and the soul tradition he helped to
shape.
Bobby was
born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1944. Bobby's father, Friendly Womack, Sr.,
played guitar and sang with a local quartet. With his help, Bobby and his
brothers formed a gospel group called the Womack Brothers in the early
1950s.
In 1961, the
Womack Brothers were signed by SAR Records, which was owned by Sam
Cooke. They signed to his label Sar and recorded two songs under the name Valentinos with Bobby on the lead vocals. "Lookin' For A Love" (1962) and "It's All Over Now" (1963) which Rolling Stones later did a cover version of. Bobby played the guitar for Sam Cooke during those years until Sam's death in 1964. Worked solo with labels like Him and Checker until he signed to Atlantic and a collaboration as a studio musician and composer with Wilson Pickett. Meanwhile he worked on his own career on the label Keyman (1966) and signed to Minit in 1967. It would take till 1971 before Bobby got his major breakthrough, with the singel "That's The Way I Feel About Cha'" from the LP Communication.
In 1981 he signed with Beverly Glen Records. As a vocalist, Bobby's got inspiration from Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson. As a composer his inspiration comes from both gospel, R&B, C&W and rock. He's produced albums with Ron Wood, done sessionjobs for Sly & The Family Stone, Janis Joplin and Wilton Felder. Bobby sings a duet with Patti LaBelle on the album The Poet II from 1984 and features on the Anti-Apartheid single "Sun City" from 1985.
 BOBBY-WOMACK
Joins The Chat Session
earthjuice:
BOBBY
WOMACK...Welcome to the SOUL PATROL CHAT ROOM....EVERYBODY SAY HELLO TO
BOBBY
miked: Welcome
Bobby
Womack.........
BOBBY-WOMACK: We're ready to
roll
adrian-owusu:
hi,bobby
!!!
Ray: Hi Bobby
essentialldy:
Roll on
Bobby~
Carlos-Arriagada:
hello mr
womack
FabMs2:
Hello Mr.
Womack......
Samuel-Thompson:
Hello
Bobby
AAdamsRib:
My Hero Hello Mr
Womack
Charles:
Mr. Womack, it is
an extreme pleasure to meet you!
essentialldy:
Hi Mr. Womack,
You deserve at least a MR.! if not more.
Capricorn-Princess:
What's up
Bobby?
Tami:
Hello, Mr. Womack
I love you
BOBBY-WOMACK: hello, hello, hello
WHAT'S
BOBBY-WOMACK BEEN UP TO LATELY?
Jack-Randy:
Bobby, How many
records have you recorded?
BOBBY-WOMACK: about 38 albums and 3 in the can I'm working on
including one called All Things Heal In Time and I'm working on a Blues
Album that I'm very excited about
T-Neck:
Blues? Great!
T-Neck:
Yes ...Is it more
traditional blues or soul
blues?
Carlos-Arriagada:
bobby, can you
tell us more about the blues album you're planning?
BOBBY-WOMACK: The Blues
album I've always wanted to sing because that album is dedicated to Elmore
James and Jimmy Reed
BOBBY-WOMACK: It's all the way down funk
blues
earthjuice: "funk and
blues" (I think I like that :))
T-Neck: ,,,can't
wait!
Jennifer: Hey gotta
love that Funk in any form!
T-Neck: Where
will you record it? The Blues album.
BOBBY-WOMACK: At
Capital, and now at the Mint Recording Studio here in Los
Angeles
essentialldy: What have
you been doing with yourself these days& You writing? Or singing..or
both?
BOBBY-WOMACK: essential lady, I'm trying to stay busy
BOBBY-WOMACK: Mostly all the songs I sing, write and play the
guitar
Jack-Randy: Bobby,
How many people are in your current band?
BOBBY-WOMACK: 17 people in my current
band
Samuel-Thompson: Mr Womack
are you ever coming to Pittsburgh,Pa?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I would love to come to
Pittsburgh
FabMs2: We are
looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta on Saturday.
Capricorn-Princess: Bobby, I
am so looking forward to seeing you Sat in ATL
Carlos-Arriagada: mr
womack, i'am a fan of your music from Santiago de Chile, in South america,
and i want to say you're really a Music Genius. I have introduced all of
my brothers to your music and everyone has like it
essentialldy: Now what
about your life story, is it going to be on the big screen soon?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I'm hoping to get the book
to Robert DiNero becuase I've had the pleasure of working with him on the
movie Meet The Parents
D-J--DOLLAR-BILL: tell us
about the new show you're involved in.Will Billy Paul be a guest star?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I haven't seen Billy Paul
in 15 years, if they want him in it I guess they can dig him up
BOBBY-WOMACK: I'm
looking forward to seeing me too
earthjuice: Bobby.....Billy Paul is one of our Soul patrol
members, I will give you his email address later
essentialldy: I want to
know the man behind the music, in print or on screen. Even in
email.
Whats on the mind of a man like Womack, I can see it now!
marva: Why don't
I ever see you performing in New York? The last time I saw an advertisement
/announcement for a performance was in Phila. Also do
you have any plans to write your autobiography?
Ray: Mr.
Womack, is the song you did with Teena Marie on your new CD or her new CD?
And when will we get to enjoy it?
BOBBY-WOMACK: It's on my new CD, the song with Teena Marie
Ray: Can't
wait to hear your two voices together! When will it be avaliable?
earthjuice: What was
it like to work with Rick James on the album "Urban Rapsody"?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I love
Rick.
Rick was always very supportive especially in my career, he was
always there for me, the song he had me sing on I didn't particularly
like, but I couldn't turn him down
essentialldy: You and
he had similar Style.
Samuel-Thompson: Will you
be touring soon?-
BOBBY-WOMACK:
I'm looking forward to doing a world tour with
benefits to proceed the American Diabetes Assoc. I am a
diabetic
EdyGirl: Bobby, do
you have any plans to come perform in Hawaii in the near future? I'd
sure LOVE to be able to see one of your shows live!
My friends all RAVE about you! I might have to come back there
if you're not coming here!
BOBBY-WOMACK: They can book me in Hawaii
Carlos-Arriagada: bobby, if
you plan a world tour don t forget to visit Chile
Charles: How is
"Back to My Roots" doing?
BOBBY-WOMACK:
Roots is not doing as well
as I'd hoped.
It's one of the best albums I've ever done and I have a lot of
respect for that album
John--sly: I saw you
going down the street on tuesday. I have'nt seen you for a while at the
grocery store
earthjuice: Welcome
John Wilson of the "Sly, Slick & Wicked"!
arita: Hi
Bobby.
It's great to chat with you. Do you still have a studio in Muscle
Shoals?
BOBBY-WOMACK: No the studio in Muscle Shoals, I think
they tore it down
arita: :
BOBBY-WOMACK Where can we write to you? I can't seem to get in very well.
I'd like to send you some info for your health. I'm a
nurse/consultant?
earthjuice: Bobby....do
you have a web site?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Yes, there are two, my offical site is www.bobbywomack.com and my fan website is www.angelfire.com/music2/BobbyWomack
John--sly: Hey Bobby I
went to England 2 months ago and you wont believe how popular CLEVELAND
SOUL is
John--sly: Bobby you
and your family have been a great inspiration to me and the group Thanks
from one Cleveland brother to another
BOBBY-WOMACK'S FAVORITE
ARTISTS
AAdamsRib:
Mr Womack I
have to thank you for writting "DayLight" ....... my theme song
BOBBY-WOMACK:
The guy that wrote Daylight
with me was Harold Payne and it's true that Daylight always catches up to
you
Carlos-Arriagada: mr womack,
what is your favorite soul artist of all time?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Sam
Cooke is my favorite soul artist of all time
Ray: Hi Bobby,
tell us what it was like working with the lady Teena Marie?
BOBBY-WOMACK:
I just loved Teena's voice,
it was fantastic, it was overwhelming
D-J--DOLLAR-BILL: hi sorry
I'm late.What's up Bob,Bobby and the rest of y'all
FabMs2: Which to
you find most satisfying? Writting or performing?
BOBBY-WOMACK:
writing or performing,
that's a split I love writing because writing whether it's a hit record
it's something I want to say
Charles: Mr. Womack,
I have many favorite songs by you. I'd like to ask you your inspiration
for a couple of them. I'd like to start with "Cousin Henry" from 1993's
"Ressurection." your in
BOBBY-WOMACK: Cousin Henry is a true story
essentialldy: These young
cats need to be reminded of what music is...and what being a working
artist means!
adrian-owusu: I'M A BLUES
GUITARIST FROM ENGLAND,YOU HAVE MET 2 OF MY HEROES,JIMI HENDRIX AND DUANE
ALLMAN .WHAT WERE THEY LIKE?
essentialldy: What about
OTIS?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Otis was a great soul singer. I loved
Otis
Mohair-Slim: What was it
like writing with Wicked Wilson Pickett? Was he as much trouble as they say?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Wilson Pickett and I are both pieces
Ray: When will
we get to hear you and Teena?
D-J--DOLLAR-BILL: were you
ever scared of sly or the crew he was hanging with when you were recording
at the house?
Mike-Boone: Bobby what
it like working with Sam Cooke at the Copa in July 64'
BOBBY-WOMACK:
It was like going to
college, I learned a lot from Sam
adrian-owusu: that
soul/gospel guitar style that you, curtis, steve cropper, jimi, all play
so well...where did you first here it? is it pure church?
EdyGirl: And how did
you keep from getting 'hoodwinked' by Motown...like your dear friends
David and Eddie? Sure glad you made it thru THAT
'booby trap'!!
Jennifer: We're
really good friends of theirs, isn't the business a small world!
essentialldy: Lol, I was
not even born in July 64'
BOBBY-WOMACK: I
was paranoid at Slys house
D-J--DOLLAR-BILL: I can't
blame you
Charles: Mr. Womack,
"Cousin Henry" is one of two songs that brings me to tears EVERYTIME I
hear it...
BOBBY-WOMACK'S SONGWRITING
INSPIRATIONS
essentialldy: You still
write huh?
Write me something. Essentialldy@hotmail.com and don't be shy about
it! You publishing any thing in the near future Mr. Womack?
earthjuice: stop
flirting with Mr. Womack.....lol
Mohair-Slim: When you
did Harrry Hippy - were you for or against them?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I was for anybody that didn't know who they were or was
trying to find out
essentialldy: Explain
your statement, that you where for any body...etc.
essentialldy: You help
people find themselves in your lyrics, was that an inspiration in your
music?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Always an
inspiration.
I'm searching for my identity in life and I just write about it and
people can relate
Mohair-Slim: What ever
happened to Sam's brother L.C. Cooke?
BOBBY-WOMACK:
I saw L.C. at Johnnie
Taylor's funeral, he's doing a gospel album and he looked really great
Jack-Randy: Bobby, my
daughter wants to know, are you still Lookin 4 a Love?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Yeah, but I ain't gonna marry one, seriously it's
always nice to have somebody close that you can tell your troubles to,
it's three strikes and you're out
BOBBY-WOMACK: essential what was the question?
T-Neck: What
current artists interest you (favorites)
essentialldy: I';m
frustarted..you said something important, please elaborate.
Carlos-Arriagada: mr womack,
of all the songs you have written, which one is the one you like the
most?
BOBBY-WOMACK: carlos, I like Nobody Wants You When You're Down And
Out, it's becuase it's a fact of life that everybody wants a winner, they
change their phone number
Mohair-Slim: Did you
cop a backlash from the gospel community when you switched to secular at
SAR?
FabMs2: Oh...Mr.
Womack.......I learned .......never say never........
essentialldy: Mr. Womack
on a serious note, what you do, comes with a high price. (In life) I'm sure you
have a lot to offer by means of inspiration and spirituality. It takes an
awsome spirit and astute determinism to keep busy for so long.
FabMs2: I agree
with essential......Bravo essential.....
essentialldy: LAWD...you
still considering Marriage? Geeze..
BOBBY-WOMACK: Yeah, I'm considering
adrian-owusu: can you
play guitar with the strings strung left-handed?
BOBBY-WOMACK: No
essentialldy: No forget
the question, it takes more thought then we have time for...I'll catch it
in your books.
Carlos-Arriagada: mr womack,
have you plans to record again with the valentinos?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I want to take the Valentinos on
tour.
They always go on tour with me but yeah I'd like to do an album
with them
essentialldy: Folks in
the realm of society that youre dealing with..change their phone
number..there are many others who don't Mr. Womack. But you seldom
find them in the struggles to which you have become accustomed!
Tami: Where are
you now, and when are you coming back to Chicago?
essentialldy: Let's Keep
it real, That part of the sacrifce that you've made as an artist.
Tami: We don't
get to see you enough here.
essentialldy: May we ask
your age?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I'm 56
BOBBY WOMACK IN THE 1970's & 1980's
Carlos-Arriagada: mr womack,
why you said once " i don't mind pain. I want to be the king
of pain"?
Charles: Mr.
Womack, of your 80s output, what album (besides Poet 1 & Poet 2)
do you consider your best work? My favorite was Womagic.
AAdamsRib: Mr Womack
I remember an album cover with your son it ..... he looked to be about 5 ..... is he a
musician?
Tami: my
favorites are: "That's the Way I Feel About 'Cha", "Facts of Life"
adrian-owusu: /BOBBY-WOMACK have you ever thought of recording with
any younger artists ,rappers, if so, who?
D-J--DOLLAR-BILL: Across
110th St. Did you write the song before they showed you the film or
after
Mohair-Slim: Bobby, you
may have missed the question ... how did the Gospel people react to
you doing pop tunes with the Valentinos?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I
think Sam Cooke broke the ice. He was the first person of any status
that switched to secular. When The Valentinos left we came to
California to join Sam and we didn't really know what the public reaction
was
BOBBY-WOMACK: I
wrote the song after
Jennifer: Bobby, I know your neice, Diane. We have
a lot of fun with her and the Chi-lites
MAN:
Bobby, I once heard that you asked Marvin Gaye, shortly before his death,
to lay down some vocals on the Poet II album. If that's
true, which cut would it had been.
BOBBY-WOMACK: Marvin Gaye's brother replaced him on the Save The
Children album because Marvin didn't show up, he was going through some
really heavy changes
essentialldy: Was the
movie "She's Gotta Have It" a tribute to your song--Woman's gotta have
it?
Is that what spike intended?
Charles: Mr.
Womack, what type of job do you feel MCA did with promotion regarding your
80s material? I think you made some real gems during that time!
BOBBY-WOMACK: I
think MCA did a pretty shitty job, they talked more than they really
produced, and it was some great material, Allen Klein & Gerald
Busby did not see eye to eye, nobody would drop their ego and their heads
wouldn't fit through the door
Carlos-Arriagada: mr womack,
how was your relation with your father?
Jennifer: We were
with Bloodstone the other day, and they were telling us how interesting
your show is.
BOBBY-WOMACK: The Bloodstones are one of my favorite groups, a
gentleman that worked with them in the studio Hence Powell was my music
director
Jennifer: I hope
that we will get a chance to see you here in KC soon.
essentialldy: How did
you survive, those times with out the changes, we saw many other artist
going through?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I
believe strongly in me and I know that every time I go out that these
people are still listening
T-Neck: Do you
favor the current recording trends (programed kybds. and drum
machines)
or more of the traditional way?
earthjuice: What's the
name of the song that Sly sang on his "Safety Zone" album?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Sly sang When The Weekend Come
Mike-Boone: Describe
that particular night because sure love listening to that lp
Charles: Mr.
Womack, what can you tell me about the recording sessions for Womagic, my
favorite album. Why were alternate versions of some of those songs made
(which showed up on later compilations)?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Charles, Probably bootleg
Charles: That was
one of the tunes there were two versions of; was Sly on the Womagic
version, Mr. Womack?
AAdamsRib: Mr Womack
did you ever work with Curtis Mayfield?
BOBBY-WOMACK: yes, me and Curtis used to sit up and play together, I
was always fascinated with the way he played. Nobody played
like Curtis, he was great
zielove: Hi Bobby,
Your Music is Wonderful....I have a picture with you and your wife :)
MAN:
Booby, could talk a little bit about the inspiration for "Through the Eyes
of a Child"?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Eyes of A Child was just watching my kids grow up and
picking up the bad traits as well as the good, kids don't miss anything
and they'll copy it
BOBBY-WOMACK: Sly was on
the MCA
Charles: Mr.
Womack, on Womagic I also loved "Outside Myself" and "More Than Love." And
on "So Many Rivers," your cover of "That's Where It's At" is tremendous.
You tore that up!!!
Carlos-Arriagada: bobby, a
American label reissue your cd "Soul sensation live"
Mike-Boone: Hi
Bobby,Didn't you play lead guitar on the "Funky Broadway"session?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Mike, yes that's correct, that was me and Reggie Young
one of the greatest guitar players I've ever played with
FabMs2: "At Home"
is one of my favorites
Charles: Mr.
Womack, of all the songs on 1993's "Resurrection," what songs did you
feel, when you left the studio, that you had really "nailed it"; that
there was NO WAY "this ong" could miss?
Charles: I ask that
question because I remember thinking that airplay could've been given to a
good 6 or 7 songs!
BOBBY-WOMACK: Tryin' Not To Break Down, with Ronnie Isley, that song
and Don't Break Your Promise are my favorites on Resurrection
essentialldy: Hey
Folks..Much love to the house. I'm out. Mr Womack, pleasure to chat with
you and
EarthJuice you keep making waves ONLINE, My brother!
Ray: Can you
tell me the name of the song you did with Lady Tee?
BOBBY-WOMACK: The song with Lady T was Born Again
earthjuice: Bobby's
official site is at: http://www.bobbywomack.com/
Mike-Boone: Do you
still keep in contact with Daryl Carter?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Daryl Carter called me yesterday wanting tickets for
the Memphis show I always kept in contact with him, great writer and a
great inspiration
Charles: BADDDDD
songs!!!!!! I thought "Forever Love," "Cousin Henry," "You Made Me Love
Again," "Walk on the Wild Side," and "Cry Myself to Sleep" should have
been radio staples, too...
BOBBY-WOMACK: Charles, so do we, I didn't record for five years
after that because I was so disappointed
Jennifer: Bobby what
do you think of New Birth's version of " I Can Understand it"?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Jennifer, it's good but not as badd as mine We did a lot
of concerts together
Charles: Mr.
Womack, not to bring up any negative feelings (based on Johnnie Taylor's
statements about the following); but could you tell me your experiences
with Beverly Glen? You made such great music there...
BOBBY-WOMACK: It could have been a great company but sometimes greed
sets in and kills all of that. It would have been a great label but the
wrong man was in charge
Charles: Mr.
Womack--Must've been; Johnnie, Anita Baker, and now you have said the same
thing...
Carlos-Arriagada: bobby, you
gonna play the guitar in that blues -funk -soul album?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Carlos, Oh yeah got to play the guitar, and that album
is dedicated to Patrick Moten
Jennifer: If you
could put together a collaboration of artists to tour with, who would they
be.
BOBBY-WOMACK: I
would tour with Gerald Levert, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Isley, and Aretha
Franklin
Tami: Awesome
line-up. I'd be there!
Ray: When will the
new album be out, and what will it be called?
Jennifer: And what
type of audience would you be aiming at?
earthjuice: Bobby, can
you tell us what was Sam Cooke's "vision" for SAR records?
BOBBY-WOMACK: Sam wanted to go mainstream just like Berry did with
Motown.
He loved to put together people he knew talent and let them express
themselves
Mike-Boone: I love
your version of "That's Heaven To Me" on your "Facts of Life Lp. Was a
dedication to Sam Cooke as well?
Carlos-Arriagada: bobby, the
blues album will be just covers or will include some originals tunes?
BOBBY-WOMACK: That's Heaven to Me was a dedication to Sam
Jennifer: Now I've
heard that Aretha can be difficult to work with,.....
BOBBY-WOMACK: No, Aretha just knows what she wants
LOL, as most women
do!!!
Charles: Mr.
Womack--Is your brother Cecil and Linda still performing as Womack
& Womack? Their last album "Transformation to the House of the
Zekkariyas" was fantastic!!!!
BOBBY-WOMACK: I
haven't really talked to Cecil for years
Charles: Ooh--sorry
to hear that...
Jennifer: but of
course it could have been "one of those days"
BOBBY-WOMACK: Most of the blues album are originals. Maybe 5 out of
15 are covers
BOBBY-WOMACK: My engineer just walked in does anyone have any
questions for him
Mike-Boone: What was
it like to play with Sam Cooke at the copa?
Carlos-Arriagada: good night
to all people. it was great to chat with a great man like mr womack
Larry-Langley: What kind
of microphone do you use to record Bobby?
T-Neck: Forgive
me, if mentioned (CRS) has your blues album been titled yet?
Larry-Langley: Is Bobby
fun to work with?
BOBBY-WOMACK: I
use Neuman M-49 non exclusively, but on certain vocals
BOBBY-WOMACK: My album is called Livin' In The House Of Blues
Charles: Mr.
Womack--I'm going to sign off; but before I do, I would just like to thank
you for many, many hours of listening pleasure! And decades of EXCELLENT
music!!!! Peace be unto you, my brother!
BOBBY-WOMACK: If you ever get a chance to be in my audience don't
pass it up
arita: You're
right about that, Bobby. I was last in your audience in 1973, and
that's been much too long!
BOBBY-WOMACK: My engineer says Bobby's always fun to work with
BOBBY-WOMACK: Goodnight all, thanks for being here everyone. Make sure and
watch for my new albums coming out
earthjuice: Thanks
Bobby......Everyone say goodnight to Bobby
T-Neck: You know I
will. Thank you.
FabMs2: Thank you
Bobby......
Charles: Oh, one
last question: Do you still work with Altrinna? She has a great voice.
FabMs2: Goodnight,
Sweet Prince
Y2K: wow, that
was great!!
Tami: Thanks
Earthjuice for this wonderful opportunity.
Charles: Well, so
much for that!!!!--LOL!!!!!
Mike-Boone: Goodnight
Bobby and thanks for a good memorable night
Samuel-Thompson: Goodnight
Mr Womack God Bless You-Sam
earthjuice: Don't
thank me, thank Bobby Womack.....THE POET!!!!!!!!!
Tami: Goodnight,
Mr. Womack
BOBBY-WOMACK has left... | 
