Bobby Glover
Bobby Glover is a soul and funk singer best known for his work with the influential band Zapp in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born on November 29, 1951, in Hamilton, Ohio, he grew up in a music-loving family influenced by artists like James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Marvin Gaye, which shaped his smooth vocal style and rhythmic sound.
Glover started performing in local venues and clubs, honing his skills through demos and collaborations. His big break came with Zapp, led by Roger Troutman, where he contributed to their self-titled debut album, helping pioneer electro-funk sounds that bridged funk to hip-hop.
In 1984, Glover released his only solo album, Bad Bobby Glover (also known as Expansion), under the "Bad Boy Glover" moniker, featuring post-disco soul tracks during his time with Zapp's entourage. Recent releases include singles like "I Thank You," "Can I," and "Dance With You (Steppers Vibe)" in 2025.
Active in R&B, funk, and urban styles since the 1980s, Glover's powerful voice and stage presence have made him a vinyl collector favorite. His authentic sound endures among fans of classic soul and funk.
Bad Bobby Glover
Written-By – L. Troutman, R. Troutman
5:32
A2 Your Spell
Written-By – B. Beck, L. Troutman
5:08
A3 So Mean
Written-By – B. Beck, L. Troutman, R. Troutman
5:25
A4 It's My Turn
Written-By – L. Troutman, R. Troutman
4:48
B1 Happy
Written-By – L. Troutman, R. Troutman
5:10
B2 Bright Skies, Sunny Days
Written-By – L. Troutman, R. Troutman
4:16
B3 I Love You
Written-By – L. Troutman, R. Troutman
4:50
B4 I Can't Stand The Pain
Written-By – B. Beck, L. Troutman, R. Troutman, Z. Troutman
4:31
Label: Columbia – FC 39321
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Bobby Glover's only solo effort, Bad Bobby Glover (1984), is widely regarded as a hidden gem of 1980s funk and R&B, heavily influenced by the "Zapp" sound of Roger Troutman.
Reviews highlight the album's dual nature, balancing hard-hitting funk with smooth soul. Produced by Roger and Larry Troutman, the album features the signature Zapp "talkbox" aesthetic, fused with live horns and electronic rhythms.
While known as a background singer for Zapp, Glover proves himself as a powerhouse lead vocalist, with critics drawing comparisons to Teddy Pendergrass for his intensity on slower tracks.
Critics note that while some uptempo tracks like "What Kind of Lady" may feel dated, the mellower cuts have aged gracefully and remain favorites on the UK modern soul scene.
Key Tracks:- "It's My Turn": Often cited as the standout track, it is described as a "summery" and "timeless classic"; "I Can't Stand the Pain": A deep, emotional ballad showcasing Glover’s vocal range; "What Kind of Lady" & "Your Spell": The album’s primary singles in the US, defined by 80s "crunchy" electric instrumentation.
Amazon Users frequently describe it as a "brilliant" and "superb" example of rare soulful grooves. Discogs Average rating is 4.28 / 5 based on collector reviews.