Bobby Patterson
Rhythm and blues renaissance man Bobby Patterson has worked in every aspect of the business, from song writing and performing to promotion, production and record label ownership. He's been successful at all of his endeavors (check him out weekday mornings nine to noon on Soul 730 AM in his hometown of Dallas, Texas) but when it comes to dispensing romantic wisdom in song, Patterson reaches his peak: he's a gritty soul philosopher with observational skills like no other, commenting on love and it's inevitable fallout. Just take one listen to answer tunes like "I'm Leroy, I'll Take Her" and "Right On Jody" and see if you don't forget all about the songs that inspired them, Joe Tex's "Skinny Legs And All" and Johnny Taylor's "Jody's Got Your Girl And Gone." There aren't many of the best still with us, but Patterson is most certainly one of them.
Starting out on guitar and drums, he formed his first band, the Royal Rockers, in the late '50s and saw his first release, "You Just Got To Understand" on Abnak Records in 1962. Label owner John Abdnor soon determined that a blues and soul subsidiary was in order, founding Jetstar to showcase Patterson's prolific output, all of which was self-penned. After a string of classics like "Let Them Talk" (covered by Little Willie John) and "What's Your Problem, Baby," Patterson began producing in 1969, lending his talents to discs by Ted Taylor, Fontella Bass, Little Johnny Taylor, Chuck Jackson and most notably, Tommie Young. Ever the multi-tasker, he laid down some of his finest material for Paula Records between 1971 and '73 including "It Takes Two To Do Wrong," "She Don't Have To See You (To See Through You)" and possibly his finest moment, the aforementioned "Right On Jody."
Starting out on guitar and drums, he formed his first band, the Royal Rockers, in the late '50s and saw his first release, "You Just Got To Understand" on Abnak Records in 1962. Label owner John Abdnor soon determined that a blues and soul subsidiary was in order, founding Jetstar to showcase Patterson's prolific output, all of which was self-penned. After a string of classics like "Let Them Talk" (covered by Little Willie John) and "What's Your Problem, Baby," Patterson began producing in 1969, lending his talents to discs by Ted Taylor, Fontella Bass, Little Johnny Taylor, Chuck Jackson and most notably, Tommie Young. Ever the multi-tasker, he laid down some of his finest material for Paula Records between 1971 and '73 including "It Takes Two To Do Wrong," "She Don't Have To See You (To See Through You)" and possibly his finest moment, the aforementioned "Right On Jody."