posted by Robert J. Carmack  #@blues2jazzguy

One of the last of the great soul men has died at 70. musician, songwriter, Bobby Womack has succumb to poor health today as announced by his record label, XL Recordings. The cause of deah has not been officially reported, nut it was well known Womack was battling an array of health issues. The singer’s career spanned seven decades and included ’80s hit “If You Think You’re Lonely Now.”

Womack began his career in the early 1960s as the lead singer of his family musical group, The Valentinos. He also served as  Sam Cooke’s backing guitarist on many of his recordings.  After releasing a mild hit in early 1960s  with The Valentinos       (“But It’s All over Now”) The Rolling Stones took Womack ‘s  song global and, put Womack on the map as a songwriter along with big royalty checks.  In the late-60s, Womack went solo.

In 1968, he signed with Minit Records and recorded his first solo album, “Fly Me To The Moon,” which included his first major hit with a cover of The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’.”

He would go on to collaborate with music notables Gábor Szabó, George Benson, Sly and the Family Stone, Janis Joplin,Patti LaBelle, and Jazz Crusaders. He would later leave Minit and sign with United Artists where he released the album, “Communication.” He would earn his first Top 40 hit, “That’s the Way I Feel About Cha.” The hits just kept on coming after that.  Part II  of this article  coming  July 1, 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOg_8hCC4u4