MP3 Bobby Wayne - Hit That Thing

classic soul

13 MP3 Songs
BLUES: Rhythm & Blues, URBAN/R&B: Soul



Details:
Bobby Wayne has been Pittsburghâs premiere soul singer for the past 30 years. His musical training began in gradeschool, singing in the New Canaan Baptist Church along with future recording artist âTerry Collinsâ. It was 1963 when Bobby was asked to join four other young men who called themselves The Exceptions. The group included Rodney Mason, James Russell, Sherman McCrae and Floyd Beck. The Vietnam conflict claimed two members a year later and the Exceptions disbanded before they had a chance to record.
At this point Bobby was introduced to Vann Harris & The Village Vanguards, a dynamic six piece band. The lineup included George Green, Larry âButchâ McGee, Eugene Smith, David âSugarâ Cain and Jimmy Norman, featuring Bobby & These Gentâs. Working all of the larger clubs the troupe eventually joined forces with popular WZUM radio D.Jâs, Al Gee & Bobby Bennett to produce shows at the Savoy Ballroom every Saturday night. The revue opened for and backed some of the top R&B acts of the time including; The 5 Stairsteps, The Vandykes, Billy Stewart, Erma Franklin, The OâJays, Mary Wells & Gene Chandler.On fridays they usually performed in Cleveland at the House of Blues opening & backing Jackie Ross, Fontella Bass, Kim Weston & Rudy Ray Moore.
Near the end of 1964 Bobby & the Band relocated to Montreal, spending the winter at Rockheads Paradise and the Silver Dollar. As the house band they shared the stage with noteables as The Dells, Darrell Banks and The Artistics. Back in Pittsburgh the following summer, Bobby was asked to sit in with Darrell Banks at the Hurricane Grill. A friendship developed and Darrell had Bobby open for his show. These shows gave the young singer a valuable lesson in showmanship & lead vocal delivery as Bobby watched from the wings after his opening set.
Bobby & the Vanguards stayed busy on the circuit through 1967. The following year they landed back in Montreal for a year run at the Esquire Showbar. There they shared the bill with among others The Sweet Inspirations, Etta James and Carla Thomas. Eventually the Vanguards drifted apart and Bobby headed back home.
In 1969 Bobby went to Los Angeles, hooking up with Rudy Ray Moore and Theodore Toney to record Heart Of A Poor Man & Make Me Yours. Arthur Wright did the arrangements with The Leon Haywood Band providing the backing track. The single was leased by Atlantic Records #2670 and released using Bobbyâs given name, Wayne Boykin.
Bobby fronted the band âOn The Corner in 1976 and âTakinâ Names in 1977. 1978 & 1979 had Bobby singing with the âRhythm Kingsâ. An album was recorded, but never released. Bobby worked with the âMarcelsâ off and on during the â80âs and 90âs.
Bonedog Records released âLong Hard Roadâ in 1999. The CD was received well in Japan & England & a single with the title track was released on the âGrapevine 2000â label in the U.K.. September 2004 is the release date for his second Bonedog offering âHit That Thingâ. Bobby is also fronting âthe Bobby Wayne Bandâ a âClassic Soulâ Sound.