Bobby Powell

Bobby Henderson Powell (born July 25, 1943) is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer and pianist.

Biography He was born near Winnfield, Louisiana, and attended the Louisiana State School for the Negro Blind at Southern University in Baton Rouge. After singing in gospel groups, he began singing R&B and recorded for local entrepreneur and record producer Lionel Whitfield's Whit record label in Shreveport, releasing "What Are You Trying to Do to Me" in 1965.

Powell continued to record for Whit, releasing a string of singles through the late 1960s in a style similar to Clarence Carter, and had his final chart entry in 1971 with his version of Baby Washington's hit, "The Bells" (number 45 R&B). He also recorded an LP for Excello Records, Thank You, in 1973. In the mid-1970s he moved to the Hep' Me label in New Orleans, and continued to release singles for the remainder of the decade. He also recorded the album Bobby Powell Explains The Glory Of Love, in 1981, and several albums of gospel music, as well as continuing to perform in Baton Rouge.