About This Video
Bobby Womack: A Soulful Icon Who Shaped Generations
Born March 4, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bobby Womack was a legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music bridged gospel, soul, R&B, rock, and funk. His career began in the 1950s with his family’s gospel group, The Womack Brothers, later rebranded as The Valentinos — whose song It’s All Over Now was famously covered by The Rolling Stones.
In the late ’60s and ’70s, Womack found solo success with classics like That’s the Way I Feel About Cha, Woman’s Gotta Have It, and Harry Hippie. His voice — gritty, emotional, unmistakably real — became the sound of heartache, resilience, and soul.
Bobby wasn’t just a performer — he was a collaborator, working with legends like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and later even Gorillaz, proving
Background & Context
Bobby Womack’s story is one of resilience, and sheer talent. I remember Bobby, a man who started in the gospel circuit, eventually crossing over to secular music. He was a bridge, connecting various genres like gospel, soul, R&B, rock, and funk. His music was his truth, a reflection of his life experiences that resonated with many. And that’s what made him an icon, his ability to shape generations through his music. His work with The Valentinos and later as a solo artist, particularly ‘That’s the Way I Feel Ab,’ influenced many artists and continues to do so today.
Key Takeaways
- Bobby Womack’s music bridged various genres
- His music was a reflection of his life
- Bobby started in gospel before crossing over to secular music
- His work influenced many artists
- His song ‘That’s the Way I Feel Ab’ was a classic of his solo career
About Kevin Ross
Kevin Ross is a music and broadcast industry veteran with more than
30 years of firsthand experience spanning radio programming, on-air
talent, record promotion, voice work, publishing, and digital media.
He has worked every side of the business — from the air studio to
the boardroom — and built one of the longest-running digital platforms
dedicated to Black radio and music industry coverage.
30 Plus Years In is where that experience lives on video.
