Bobby Womack is a Soul music and R&B legend. But even if you think you have little interest in R&B, your music collection has definitely been touched in some way by Bobby Womack, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
Womack, who died Friday at the age of 70, played guitar for Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. He wrote songs recorded or covered by the Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, Janis Joplin, and Chaka Khan. More recently, he sang with Mos Def and Gorillaz. He was working on an album that featured collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, and Rod Stewart.
Womack’s easily most recognized tune is “Across 110th Street,” which was featured in two movies, the first called Across 110th Street, and then Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown.
The Rolling Stones issued a press statement about Womack.
“Bobby Womack was a huge influence on us. He was a true pioneer of soul and R&B, whose voice and songwriting touched millions. On stage, his presence was formidable. His talents put him up there with the greats. We will remember him, first and foremost, as a friend.”
Bobby Womack a great inspiration sad loss
— Barry Domsalla (@BarryDomsalla) June 29, 2014
The Stones covered a Womack tune early in their career, “It’s All Over Now.” They took time in their live set on the current tour to mention and praise Womack.
Here is Womack doing the song.
Womack had overcome prostate and colon cancer, but was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers. Fans around the world are saddened by his death and are taking to social media to tell how much he meant to them.
R.I.P. Bobby Womack! Thank you for all the great music you gave us. May your beautiful spirit be blessed & refreshed in the Heavenly realm!
— Nadirah (@NadirahOWBari) June 29, 2014
WAIT BOBBY WOMACK IS DEAD? NOOOOO!!! :'(((((
— clyde-john (@ThatCjGeorge) June 29, 2014
there'll never be another artist like bobby womack. PLEASE listen to his music.. he was a genius
— maheen (@maheenkxo) June 29, 2014
Image via Wikimedia Commons