Bobby Boyd
Bobby Boyd was a notable American soul singer, songwriter, and saxophonist known for his contributions to the music industry. He was born in Dunlap, Tennessee, where his passion for music began at an early age. Boyd started playing in his first band, The Boyd Brothers, at the young age of 12, laying the foundation for his musical career.
In the mid-1960s, he moved to New York and began his recording career with singles such as "My Type Of Dancin'" (1965) and "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" (1968).
Throughout his career, Boyd became recognized not only as a performer but also as an independent producer and record label owner. He established Boyd Records, which showcased his ability to both create and produce music. His journey in music led him to New York, where he arrived after completing his schooling in Augusta, Georgia.
Boyd's career saw significant developments as he moved to Paris, France, in 1971 with his entire band, reflecting his ambition to expand his reach and influence in the music scene.
They released a self-titled cult classic album in 1971 on Okapi Records. After Boyd returned to the U.S., his former band members stayed in France to form the Lafayette Afro Rock Band, a group frequently sampled by hip-hop legends like DJ Premier and Pete Rock.
In 1980, Boyd transitioned to Nashville, where he became a highly successful staff writer for Elektra Asylum Publishing. His work earned him major industry accolades, including:-
Grammy Winner: He co-wrote the song "Bless The Broken Road," which became a 6-week #1 hit for Rascal Flatts and won the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song.
Chart-Toppers: He penned Garth Brooks' #1 hit "Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House" and George Jones' "Finally Friday".
Other Notable Credits: His songs were recorded by Alabama ("In Pictures"), Aaron Tippin ("Working Man's PH.D"), Patty Loveless, and Conway Twitty.
In 2003, he moved to Spicewood, Texas, near Austin, where he returned to his R&B roots and collaborated with local blues legend W.C. Clark. He won a W.C. Handy Award (now the Blues Music Awards) in 2003 for his collaboration with W.C. Clark.
Bobby Boyd passed away at the age of 69 on June 22, 2017, at his home in Texas. His early start in music and subsequent career highlights his dedication to the soul genre and his impact on the musical landscape.
Bobby Boyd
A2 Good Woman 4:45
A3 Happy Hooker 5:50
A4 Ain’t What You Know 2:30
B1 Girl, I Can Feel Ya 3:35
B2 How Do You Hang On To A Dream 3:45
B3 Let Bygones Be Bygones 5:00
B4 To Be In Love With Yourself 3:55
B5 On This Side Of Town 3:35
B3 Written by Harvey Fuqua. All other tracks written by Bobby Boyd.
Label: Tiger Lily Records – TL 14066
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Bobby Boyd's self-titled album is a highly acclaimed but initially obscure soul and funk "hidden gem", primarily produced by jazz legend George Benson. Originally released on the small, poorly distributed Tiger Lily label, it achieved wider recognition decades later through a 2023 remastered reissue.
The album is praised by critics and collectors for its sophisticated arrangements and blend of musical styles, featuring soulful ballads highlighting Boyd's emotive vocals, combined with upbeat funk grooves with jazzy elements showcasing his instrumental talent as a vocalist and saxophonist.
The production of the album includes significant contributions from notable artists besides Benson, such as Harvey Fuqua, Ralph MacDonald, Roberta Flack, Anthony Jackson, Steve Ferrone, and Earl Klugh.