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Bobby Parker

 


Guitarist, singer and song writer Robert Lee “Bobby” Parker was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on August 31, 1937, was brought up in Los Angeles, California, and settled in Washington DC. During the fifties he joined the band of Otis Williams and The Charms, playing guitar. His first recording was made in 1956 under the name of Bobby Williams. He has toured with acts ranging from Bo Diddley to The Everly Brothers. He said he was the uncredited original writer of the song “You’ve got what it takes” which was recorded by Marv Johnson.

“Watch your step” dates from 1961 and is his most famous record. It is understood to have influenced the Beatles’ “Daytripper” and has been recorded by many other singers and bands, from Carlos Santana to Adam Faith. In 1968 Mr Parker toured the UK.

Mr Parker died of a heart attack in Bowie, Maryland on 31 October 2013.

Image: Montreux Jazz Festival

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