Bobby Peterson, Piano Rock/One Day

112 | 18 November 2023

The Bobby Peterson Quintet | Public domain | bobbypeterson.jpg

The band are Robert D. “Bobby” Peterson, David Butler, Chico Green, Jamo Thomas and one other. The recordings for V Tone Records were made between 1959 and 1962. The Quintet then disbanded.

Jazz pianist Bobby Peterson was born on February 16, 1950 and died in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on July 08, 2002.

“Piano Rock”, V-Tone 214, 1960. Released on Sue WI 346, 16 July 1965.

Chart position: data not available.

Collection of Martin Whitell

There is a photo of a test pressing of this single on the Test Disks page.

Bobby Peterson, Rockin’ Charlie Pts 1 and 2

116 | 22 March 2024

Only known photo of Bobby Peterson Quintet | Last FM | 14593

The two part instrumental Rockin’ Charlie by Bobby Peterson dates from around 1960 and was issued as Sue WI 342. Rockabilly.nl advises us that the quintet comprises of Joe Pyatt, David Butler, Chico Green and Jamo Thomas. The band recorded six singles for Buddy Caldwell’s Philadelphia based V-Tone label between 1959 and 1961, before disbanding in 1962.

Percussionist and singer James “Jamo” Thomas went on to record “I spy for the FBI” and other songs before working in Stax Records’ promotion department.

Rockin’ Charlie, V Tone 210, 1960. Sue UK WI 342.

Chart position: data not available.

Collection of Martin Whitell

Collection of Dave Hewitt | dhpetersone

Collection of Dave Hewitt | dhpeterstwo

V-Tone Album Cover | Records by Mail

Big Al Downing, Yes I’m loving you/Please come home

111 | 24 December 2023

Big Al Downing | Rockabilly Hall Of Fame | 14594

Country, rhythm and blues, gospel and rockabilly music singer, pianist, record producer and song writer Al Downing was born in Lenapah, Oklahoma, on January 9, 1940 Downing began his career doing piano and vocals in Bobby Poe and The Poe Kats, who were an early backing band for country entertainer Wanda Jackson, and on her recording “Lets Have A Party” he plays piano.

His songs have been recorded by Fats Domino, Tom Jones and Bobby Bland.

Mr Downing also became a famed record producer in his own right, and is mainly known for his country music records, which were his most successful recordings.

Al Downing sadly died from cancer in Massachusetts on July 4, 2005.

Bobby Poe is famous as the producer of Sh’Mon by Mr Dynamite, also released on UK Sue.

Yes I’m loving you (V-Tone 215, 1960)  was released as Sue WI 341. Chart position data not available.

Collection of Martin Whitell

Bobby Parker, Watch your step/Steal your heart away

114 | 15 March 2024

Bobby Parker | Lionel Flusin/Montreux Jazz Festival | 2004 | 14595

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. The record was issued as Sue WI 340. In 1968 Mr Parker toured the UK.

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

“Watch Your Step”, V-Tone 223, June 1961. Previously issued in UK on London American 45-HLU 9393 in 1961. Re-issued on UK Sue WI 340, October 1964.

Chart Position: Billboard No 51, 1961.

(Two images) Collection of Martin Whitell

Bobby Parker Obituary