Bobby Womack (March 4, 1944 – June 27, 2022) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer whose career spanned more than six decades. He is recognized for his contributions to soul, R&B, and gospel music, both as a performer and as a prolific songwriter for other artists.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
- Born Robert D. Womack in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the youngest of five brothers—Harry, Cecil, Friendly, and Curtis—who performed together as the gospel group The Womack Brothers.
- The group relocated to Chicago in the early 1960s, where they recorded for gospel labels and eventually caught the attention of Sam Cooke.
Association with Sam Cooke
- In 1963, Womack joined Sam Cooke’s backing band, the Soul Stirrers, and later the touring group The Womack Brothers.
- He performed on Cooke’s final tour and was present at Cooke’s death in 1964, an event that profoundly affected his personal and professional life.
Songwriting and Early Success
- Womack co-wrote several hits in the mid‑1960s, most notably “It's All Over Now,” recorded by the Rolling Stones, which became a number 1 single in the United Kingdom in 1964.
- He also contributed to songs for artists such as Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, and the Righteous Brothers.
Solo Career
- Womack released his debut solo single “Talk to My Heart” in 1965, followed by his first album, Fly Me to the Moon, in 1968.
- His breakthrough came with the 1972 album Understanding, which included the chart‑topping single “That’s the Way I Feel About You.”
- Subsequent albums such as Bobby Womack (1972), Facts of Life (1973), and I’m a Midnight Mover (1974) solidified his reputation as a leading soul vocalist.
Notable Songs and Collaborations
- “Across the Universe” (1971) – Womack’s rendition of the Beatles composition.
- “If You Think You’re Lonely Enough” (1973) – reached the Top 10 on the R&B charts.
- “You’ve Got the Power” (1975) – co‑produced with Stevie Wonder.
- “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)” (1979) – a duet with fellow soul singer Al Green.
- Womack also worked with prominent artists such as Janis Joplin (contributing to “Little Children”), Sly and the Family Stone, and later provided guitar and vocal work on sessions for artists like Keith Richards and Namie Amuro.
Legal Dispute and Later Revival
- In 2009, Womack sued an online retailer for unauthorized use of his likeness in promotional materials; the case settled out of court.
- His 2010 album The Bravest Man in the Universe, produced by Damon Albarn (of Gorillaz) and Richard Russell, received critical acclaim and introduced his work to a new generation.
- He continued touring internationally and appeared in documentaries focused on soul music history.
Awards and Honors
- 2009: Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Soul Train Legendary Group (honoring his contributions to R&B).
- Received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
- Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.
Personal Life
- Womack married Barbara Campbell in 1965; the marriage ended in divorce in 1976. He later married Germaine Greene in 1979, with whom he had three children.
- He publicly discussed his struggle with drug dependence in the 1970s and his subsequent recovery, describing it as a turning point in his personal development.
- In 2013, he announced he had been diagnosed with a form of prostate cancer; treatment was reported as successful.
Death
- Bobby Womack died on June 27, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 78. The cause of death was reported as complications from diabetes.
Legacy
Bobby Womack’s body of work—encompassing over 40 studio albums and thousands of songs—has had a lasting impact on the development of soul, R&B, and contemporary popular music. His distinctive guitar style, emotive vocal delivery, and songwriting prowess continue to influence artists across multiple genres.
