Bobby Womack My Story 1944-2014

Bobby Womack, born on 4 March 1944 and passing away on 27 June 2014 at the age of 70, carved out an unparalleled niche for himself in a career spanning two centuries and seven decades. He is, quite simply, irreplaceable. A phenomenally gifted musician, his incredible talent allowed him to escape the ghetto and become a star, with 30 million record sales to his name. Yet, behind his beautiful music lay a life scorched by tragedy. Having navigated the harsh edges of the music business for decades, he finally shared his explosive story in Midnight Mover.

From finding success with his family gospel group The Valentinos and being shaped by James Brown and Jimi Hendrix on the chitlin' circuit, to recording with Wilson Pickett, Eric Clapton, and Elvis Presley, Womack’s stellar career wove a colourful path through the history of soul, rock, and R&B music. His collaborations with other musicians read like a roll of honour, from Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles to The Rolling Stones and Damon Albarn.

Success, however, came at a price. Womack lost his friend and mentor Sam Cooke when the soul star was gunned down in a motel. A doomed marriage to Cooke's widow followed, which severely damaged his reputation in the music business. Tragically, he lost two sons, one to suicide, as well as his brother Harry to a brutal murder. His escape was to turn to drugs. Years of riotous abuse took their toll on Womack and those closest to him, including Janis Joplin, who spent her last night drinking with the singer. But Womack's talent, searing guitar, and soulful voice always endured. Cited as an influence by myriad musicians, even in death he remains the epitome of cool. Honest, insightful, and unflinching, this is the authentic voice of the Midnight Mover, a supremely talented legend of music whose every day was lived to the full.