The R&B/Soul world mourns yet another loss of one of our own. It was reported Friday that legendary soul singer Bobby Womack passed away at the age of 70.
The singer – whose career spawned many hits such as the 1981 track, “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” – does not have a cause of death listed as of yet, and despite his long running battle with cancer and other health issues over the years, was declared cancer free in 2012.
Bobby’s career started early on as a member of Curtis Womack and the Womack brothers with his four siblings. In 1960, the legendary Sam Cooke singed the group as a gospel act and released a handful of singles. Changing their name shortly after to the Valentinos, the group produced the hit, “It’s All Over Now”.
After splitting from the group in 1964, Womack became a session musician and played guitar on several albums including Aretha Franklin’s Lady Soul. It wasn’t long though, that he would release his debut album Fly Me to the Moon, and deliver a great deal of successful R&B albums to follow throughout the 1970’s.
It was with his 1981 hit “If You Think You’re Lonely Now,” though that the now legendary artist created a memorable and timeless song that would reign supreme in the R&B genre for years to come. Although his battle with drug addiction took over majority of his years in the ’80s, Bobby eventually overcame his issues by checking into a rehabilitation center for treatment.
A 2009 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the singers age didn’t deter him from doing what he loved. Prior to his passing, the 70-year-old musician was in the process of recording his next album tentatively titled The Best Is Yet To Come – which was to reportedly feature contributions from Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder and Snoop Dogg Lion.
Truly a sad day for those who honestly know and love R&B and Soul music. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the great singer.
RIP Bobby- the last great soul singer